SVF

When Dev learnt the tricks of football from Bhaichung Bhutia

What happens when two icons from the world of sports and cinema come together at a football ground early morning on a Sunday ? A lot of fun, learning and action! That’s what ensued when Bhaichung Bhutia trained Dev on Sunday to help the actor prepare for his role in Dhrubo Banerjee’s Golondaaj. Dev, who plays Nagendra Prasad Sarbadhikari — the Father of Indian Football — in the film, learnt the nitty gritty of the sport from the former striker, who happily obliged by showing the actor some dribbles, headers, shooting skills and more!

Sharing his experience of training with Bhaichung, Dev told us, “Playing Nagendra is no mean feat. Though it’s not a biopic, we all must know about his contribution to Indian football.”

“I have been practicing football for the past few days. But there were certain things I was not able to grasp. I want to look like a real footballer on screen. So, when I told Bhaichung about the difficulties I was facing, he was able to understand exactly what kind of help I was seeking. It took him less than a minute to help me get the synchronisation right. He even asked me to buy a plastic football so that I can practice at home and improve my skills. More than physical, the session helped me prepare myself mentally. I am going to follow his tips to the T,” said Dev.

Bhaichung taught Dev how to do the headers, how to maintain a coordination between his upper body and foot movement, shooting and many other tricks. “I am thankful to him for taking time out to teach me the nuances of football on a Sunday morning despite having a flight to catch at 9.30 am. Bhaichung wants me to perform well and I couldn’t have asked for a better coach,” said the actor who looked fresh as a lily despite returning home at four on Sunday morning.

Bhaichung, who looked dapper in a pair of denims and a T-shirt, was all praise for his new student. “No one can tell that Dev has never played football before. He is very flexible and picked up the moves easily,” he remarked, adding in jest, “I have even invited Dev and his team to train with me in Sikkim for 10 days.

But they will have to pay me a handsome amount.” The former striker is happy that a film on football is being made in Tollywood. He thinks it will help promote the sport immensely, especially with a superstar like Dev playing the role of Nagendra. With so many sports biopics being made now, does Dev plan to make one on Bhaichung soon, we asked. “I’d love to. But I need a brilliant and well-researched script. He is not called the Sikkimese Sniper for nothing. His shooting skills in football have earned him that title. He is the torchbearer of Indian football in the international arena and people should know more about him. But before that, he has to promise he will charge me less for the Sikkim training.” However, Bhaichung modestly dismissed the idea saying, “My life is not interesting or inspiring enough for a biopic.”

Dev, who surrendered himself to his new coach and one of his favourite football players …Click here to read the full story