I want to learn Hindi: Steve Waugh

Australian cricketing star Steve Waugh is known for things beyond just cricket — particularly his deep-rooted association with charitable organisations and NGOs across the globe. Talking about his other indulgences (besides cricket, of course) the former cricketer reveals that he loves to spend his leisure time reading or with kids, as he doles them some sporty lessons. “It is so much fun playing cricket with these little ones. Something that works like a therapy!” says Waugh.

“I teach them the game, and of course respond to their unending queries (laughs).” Waugh has been to India many times during his cricket days, and his association with the country continues.

So how is it different now? “The fanaticism is way too much when you are a cricket star, in India particularly. You have countless fans cheering you, asking for autographs… it’s a big stardom. But now when I come for my charity works they respect me more I feel. And so I really enjoy coming here… people are respectful, friendly…”
And do you in anyway miss that stardom? “Oh no. I’m very happy. It comes as a part of the sport.” What about picking up Hindi? “I have picked up a few... the basics you know like bahut achhki… bahut achhi very good that is. Dhanyavad, then namaskar,” he says as he struggles to get the pronunciation right. “Oh, but tell me what’s the difference between namaskar and Namaste. Don’t they both mean the same. Or which one is more respectful,” he asks curiously. We tell him that both mean the same and he continues, “Teach me some new word. I want to learn more of Hindi. I write down all of it in a diary and practice them later,” says Waugh, as he reiterates the newly learned kaise ho!