Amitabh Bachchan to turn commentator for India-Pakistan match at World Cup
The Indian and Pakistan cricket teams open their respective World Cup campaigns against each other in an epic clash on February 15, and only the most famous baritone from India – Amitabh Bachchan – will be in the commentator’s box for the occasion.
Star Sports and the makers of Shamitabh have brought about an interesting integration between the megastar actor’s latest film production and the India-Pakistan match. The movie is about a mute and deaf young actor with impressive acting skills, who makes his mark in the world of films with the help of an old, fading superstar, who lends him his voice.
Big B will lend his deep baritone for cricket commentary for the first time as he joins Kapil Dev, Shoaib Akhtar, Harsha Bhogle and other commentators on February 15. A campaign, announcing his debut, was launched during the tri-series final between Australia and England. You can watch the promotional video below.
Bachchan’s voice can unite the two countries: Balki
Says Bachchan, "This country's emotions are ruled by two things — cricket and cinema. For me, it's an exciting time on both fronts. My movie is releasing on February 6 and then, I have the privilege of making my commentary debut."
The actor has lent his voice as a narrator several times – Shatranj ke Khilari, Lagaan, Jodhaa Akbar among other films – and is a severally self-confessed sports fanatic.
The director of Cheeni Kum, Paa and English Vinglish, R. Balki says, “Mr Bachchan’s voice is the star of my film Shamitabh. The plot revolves around the baritone. I personally feel and there are millions who will agree with me that there is nothing that Mr Bachchan’s voice can’t do.
“He has done voice-overs in many feature films and has also lent his voice to documentaries and social causes. The one thing that he hadn’t done was cricket commentary. I think his voice can unite India and Pakistan better than anything else.”