I am learning Hindi: Shane Watson

It isn’t the first time that Australian cricket star Shane Watson has come to India. But this trip is certainly special for Watson as he is keen on learning Hindi.

“I have started taking Hindi classes. It is a bit tough…I have friends, who are  like strict tutors to me,” he smiles and shows-off some of words he’s recently learned. “Aap kaise ho? Aap kaisi ho? Achha hun, bahut ache hain; shubh ratri; kyaa haal hai?,” he laughs adding, “And there are some that that I can’t repeat here,” he laughs. “Hopefully the next time I come to India my Hindi will be a lot better, and I would watch my first Bollywood movie… and make sense of it too,” quips Watson. And guess what, he has been diligently taking notes of all that he has learnt so far. “I have penned down all the words that I have learnt so far in a note book.”

Watson is open to embrace the Indian culture and learning the language is just one part of it. “I’m a great fan of Indian food. My favourite is this Rajasthani lamb dish.” He elaborates, “I love the Indian spices, the smell of the food. The flavour is a lot more intense than the standard Australian food.”

What many people don’t know is that Shane will be celebrating his first marriage anniversary with wife Lee Furlong. And while he is concentrating on his game, he is also simultaneously thinking of a gift to pick up for Lee from India. “I am wondering what to take for Lee….I have a few things in mind but I have time and I want to pick the best,” he says. And while he might be missing home and Lee, there’s one thing about Mumbai that reminds him of Sydney.  Traffic! “It’s just so equally intense and maddening.”

Besides, Shane also likes to travel. He wishes to go to Maldives before flying back to Australia. So has he ventured out on the streets of Mumbai yet? “Oh I’d love to do so but work schedule’s keeping me occupied. I want to just jaunt off and take a walk around the city and explore things. I want to experience the city.”