Tendulkar to don the hat of a poet in Marathi book fair

MUMBAI: Ace cricketer Sachin Tendulkar will don a new hat of a poet on October 30, at the Shivaji Park ground Dadar in central Mumbai, where he will recite his favourite Marathi poem to mark the opening of Marathi book festival.
    
Tendulkar will inaugurate the 'Pustakotsavam' exhibition of best Marathi literary books in which he will recite some paras from his favourite Marathi poem, said Raj Thackeray, Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief and organiser of the event.
    
Marathi publishers from all over Maharashtra will be taking part in the event which commences from October 30 to November 4, Thackeray said adding the aim of this event is to showcase the Marathi literature, culture and history before the people.
    
"When we suggested the idea of reading poem, Sachin was surprised and said this (poetry) would be a totally different ground for him to play," Thackeray said adding Tendulkar however, willingly agreed.
    
When asked what poem is Tendulkar going to read, Thackeray said, "I don't know. Perhaps only on the day of inauguration we would know".
    
Other literary figures who will read their poems include filmmakers - Jabbar Patel, Ashutosh Gowarikar, historian Babasaheb Purandhare and several others.
    
Nearly 100 publishers will be showcasing their books through more than 100 stalls. There will also be exhibition of photos relating to the Maratha warrior Shivaji.