Mumbai: He sent shivers down the spine of several batsmen, but when Australian cricketer Brett Lee decided to score the best in his new innings of acting with “UnIndian”, he initially found it difficult to act.
When the fast bowler was in the middle of his cricket career, he did not anticipate that he would act in films.
“The person you see on the cricket field playing is different. I have been a movie buff, I have loved watching blockbuster films. And now I had the chance to act in a film and I was excited about it,” Lee told PTI.
It was initially difficult for Lee to act in front of the camera, but he was up for the challenge.
“It was nerve wrecking initially. It was difficult. It is a different experience (to act in films). It is like playing your first game in cricket. I would love to be an all rounder in films, do everything – romance, dance, action – all,” he said.
“If you have passion and are willing to learn and try new things then you can enjoy something different.”
Asked if he would be seen dancing in “UnIndian”, he said, “I am dancing in it. There are lot of things that I am doing new. You want all things to come out. Wait and see.”
Since “UnIndian” is Lee’s debut film, he had to get to the ropes of acting.
“I have always given my 100 per cent on cricket field and have always given best shot. I did the same for acting. I did a crash course in acting, I had a lot of advice from friends who had done films. Advice was just, be natural, understand the script and character and work hard,” he said.
“UnIndian” is not the only film offered to Lee and he has been getting acting offers since quite sometime.
“There were acting offers from Bollywood over the years, but the time wasn’t right as I was playing cricket. I was focused on my cricket game. And the fact that it (‘UnIndian’) is an Australian film with Bollywood flavour and references to India, I felt this was the right opportunity to do it. I felt I couldn’t miss this opportunity,” Lee said.
“UnIndian” has Lee playing an Australian teacher, who falls in love with a single mother (Tannishtha Chatterjee) in Sydney.
The 39-year-old former cricketer is open to acting in many more films.
PTI
