I was coached by Achrekar sir too: Shreyas Talpade

Bollywood actor Shreyas Talpade, who shot to fame with his debut film "Iqbal" where he played the role of a deaf and mute boy dreaming to be a cricketer, revealed that he had to choose between cricket andu00a0acting.

Actor Shreyas Talpade at the Ambedkar Trophy cricket tournament at RCF Sports Complex yesterday. Pic/Suresh KK.

"The school that I went to - Shree Ram Welfare Society High School in Andheri - did not have a cricket team. But I used to religiously go to Shivaji Park to attend Ramakant Achrekar sir's (of Tendulkar fame) nets. Cricket was part of my daily routine. Even when I had my board exams, I used to play cricket for at least two hours daily. Once I joined college, it became very tough for me to strike a balance between theatre and cricket.

"That's when I had to choose between the two. I liked acting a little more than cricket and that's how I became an actor. I could easily fit into the character of Iqbal as I had a cricketing background," he said on the sidelines of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Trophy cricket tournament (T20 for Corporates) at the RCF Sports Complex in Chembur yesterday.

In the final, Mumbai Police defeated Indian Navy by 61 runs. Mumbai Police posted 154-9 in the stipulated 20 overs with Samir Patil scoring a fluent 32-ball 54. Indian Navy pacer Shakti Malviya claimed four wickets, giving away 25 runs in his four overs. In reply, Indian Navy were shot out for 93 in 17 overs. Pacer Sachin Choudhry, Vasant Fulmali and Sunil Patil got two wickets each.

"These guys are just awesome. They remind me of the days when I was so obsessed with cricket and could play the sport anywhere - the streets, gardens or any open area. Even today, I always carry a bat and a ball in my car. Whenever I get free time in between my shoots or during outdoor shooting, I play with my entire unit. I felt bad that due to my packed schedule I was unable to play in Celebrity Cricket League (CCL)," said the actor, who is an ardent Rahul Dravid fan.