Weekend Feature By Chandrani Datta
22nd June, 2014. One of the oldest pictures from Bollywood archives shows Nargis and Raj Kapoor, who have worked in movies like Shree 420, Awaara, Aag and Andaz, posing with the golf club. In India you cannot go anywhere without Bollywood, they say. We are a filmy nation with cultural antics that revolve around the century old film industry.
Bollywood cuts across all barriers, whether it is politics, crime or sports. The world of golf, like every other sports is torn between tournaments and practice sessions. However, where there is breathing space, there is Bollywood. Most of the Indian golfers have their bolly favourites that they immerse in, once they get respite from the greens.
For golfer Sidharth Semwal , the recent movies seem way more educative and relevant than those of yesteryears. If given a chance he would not mind teeing off with Preity Zinta, who along with Salman Khan makes his favourite stars. When asked which bollywood actress he would like to spend a day with, Jeev Milkha Singh was clear,”I think it would be Kajol.”
Meghna Bal on the other hand is impressed by the likes of Nawazuddin Siddique and Tabu and if an opportunity arrives to have a golf date with Shahid Kapoor, she would love to show off her long drives. Bal, though fond of some of the actors does admit Bollywood isn’t a big end in itself even as she fosters her favourites. “I guess 3 Idiots is a movie I have watched a bunch of times. But there isn’t anything I can’t do without.’’
Bollywood’s association with the sport is not new. The Angry Young Man Amitabh Bachchan who has a home on a golf course in Ahmedabad would like his grandson to take up golf rather than acting. He says, “I am not a good golfer, I have never played golf as much as I would like to but I have been on the course a couple of times. Don’t get much time now but it is wonderful to see this facility and to see that so many people take interest in this sport.’’ He acknowledges that he feels quite peaceful and relaxed every time he hits the course.
In recent times R Madhavan is also seen on the courses quite frequently. He spent a few days at a David Leadbettor academy fixing his game. Even ace actor Shah Rukh Khan was seen going upswing literally with his club in the Tag Haeur’s Speed Golf Tournament years ago. However, King Khan did not mind quipping about his association with the game to Bollywoodmantra. “I have had a long history with golf, my father-in-law was a golfer, and he asked me if I too played golf. So I told him that I have played hockey and asked him if the two were similar in any way.” Since then we quite haven’t seen SRK’s words stay the course.
Many movies have focussed on the different sports of India in recent times like Lagaan, Chak De India and Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. Interestingly enough, Bhaag Milkha Bhaag documented the life of legendary golfer Jeev Milkha Singh’s father, Milkha Singh. Kapurthala born golfer Ashbeer Saini admits it’s a movie that’s touched a special cord. “My favorite movie has to be Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. It’s truly an inspiring story and the message to keep on trying no matter what really touched me.” In a country where business and cinema go hand in glove, it is not surprising to see the game of business ‘putt’ing into the stars’ lives.
Chandrani Datta
