Pravin Amre taught Baweja to bat for Victory
Getting it done: Hurman Baweja and (inset) Pravin Amre
Pravin Amre taught Baweja to bat for Victory
Pravin Amre, one of the few Indian cricketers who made a hundred on debut in a Test match on foreign soil, trained Hurman S Baweja for his next cricket flick Victory. Pravin talks about Hurman's passion to learn and mould himself from an actor to a cricketer.
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What were you specifically hired for?
In Victory, Hurman essays the role of a cricketer. It was a challenge to train him, as he had never touched a cricket bat before this! I not only made him watch several match videos but also on cricket. I had to work hard with him in order that he could get the stroke techniques right. It took around two weeks to get his stance right. He is a dedicated learner. At times, it used to get extremely tiring as we practised for hours at a stretch.
How long were you with the Victory cast?
The training went on for about six weeks. We did two sessions a day. We didn't overdo it because as a beginner, one cannot be overworked and it could cause injury.
Did you only train Hurman or the rest of the cast as well?
Only Hurman. I was hired as a batting coach only to train Hurman.
What did training involve?
Basically batting on screen he has been shown as a batsman. Everyone is familiar with cricket so you cannot make a fool of the audience. They know everything about the game; all the techniques.
How's Hurman's knowledge of cricket?
The passion was there to improve and this is the most important thing for a coach. His co-operation was tremendous. Whenever it was a pain-staking job, he'd to push himself till he did it. He continued practising till he saw I was convinced.
How difficult is it to train an actor and a cricket enthusiast?
Boys start playing cricket at a young age by the age of 10 when it is easy to mould them. My job was to assure that he looks like a cricketer if not hit a ball for a six or four.u00a0
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What is your take on films based on cricket?
Several cricket films have come before. But I liked Victory's story and script. Today's generation of cricketers are making big money, especially after the IPL. With success and money at such a young age, the youth get influenced. I wanted to be part of this movie to send out a good message to today's cricketers.
If not Hurman, who do you think would've fitted the role?
Had it been any actor, he would have required the equal amount of hard work as much as Hurman. Cricket is not an easy game and the bottomline is hard work. Hurman is a right choice, being a newcomer he has the passionu00a0 to achieve. It's a challenge for him to play a cricketer.
Do you have a role in the film?
No. I am only behind the scenes. (laughs)
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