Even before his movie debut in the film UnIndian, which is in cinemas from Thursday (August 18), Australian former cricketer Brett Lee had an army of fans in India – in fact, they make up the majority of his million-plus Twitter followers.
His popularity on the subcontinent stems, in part, of course, from his status as a cricketing legend – Lee is considered one of the sport’s two fastest bowlers, though his world record 161.8kph delivery remains unofficial as it took place in a charity match rather than a competitive game.
But the status he enjoys in India is also thanks to the song You're the One for Me, a duet he performed with Bollywood star Asha Bhosle in 2006. "I had a couple of producers I knew ask if I knew Bhosle," he says. "They were amazed when I told them I did and said they were interested in me doing a collaboration with her. They had a song in mind but I asked if they'd mind if I wrote one, so I got my guitar, wrote it in about 20 minutes and that same afternoon, I went and laid it down in the studio."
Ten years later, Lee is once again teaming up with Bollywood royalty, producer-director Anupam Sharma (Dil Chahta Hai, Heyy Babyy), for the romantic comedy UnIndian. The English-language film tells the story of the cultural challenges that Australian Will (Lee) and Indian Meera (Tannishtha Chatterjee) face as they embark on a relationship in Sydney.
Lee says the film marks the realisation of a long-standing dream.
“I’ve wanted to make a movie for a while but I’ve always either not had time, with the cricket, or the right script didn’t come along,” he says.
“Then the opportunity to work with Sharma came along. We’ve worked together on adverts before, and known each other over a decade, and I loved the script and gave it my best shot.”
Lee is no stranger to appearing in front of a camera – since his retirement from international cricket in 2012, he has worked as a commentator and appeared in several advertisements. However, he admits that starring in a movie was a new kind of challenge.
“I thought the hardest part would be memorising all the lines – there’s about 119 scenes,” he says. “But that actually came easier than the acting part: getting into the character.
“I’d only really done commercials previously, where it’s just a case of reading off a screen. But to be in that moment and fall in love on set and make people in the cinema go on that journey with you and believe you – that was the hardest part.
“Thankfully, Anupam’s a genius and really supported me and made me feel comfortable on set – and likewise, my co-star, Tannishtha Chatterjee, was really helpful.”
The movie was released in Australia in October last year, where Lee says it struck a chord with audiences from a variety of cultural backgrounds.
“It’s not just been Aussies or Indians who have been watching – it’s a story of any mixed-culture relationship,” he says.
“The movie really captures that side of Australian culture. I have friends in a similar situation to Will, who are dating Indian girls and have to deal with disapproving families, mothers who don’t want them to marry because they’re not Indian, or a doctor – that kind of thing.”
With the movie representing another ambition realised, Lee admits he has been fortunate with the life he has had. He says any youngster can emulate his success if they put their mind to it.
“My dream when I was 9 years old was to play for Australia and bowl at 160kph,” he says. “I achieved both and feel privileged and honoured to have done that – and now I’m in a movie, which is a dream, too,” he says.
“I always say to kids: ‘You should follow your dream.’ There are people out there who knock people who give it a go – they’re scared of failing, but failing is fine as long as you learn from it.
“I’d rather fail than not try. That’s why I did so well at cricket, because I was always pushing right to the edge.
“Now I’m in a new stage of my life and I want to walk that fine line just the same.”
cnewbould@thenational.ae
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo 4-cyl
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Power: 190bhp
Torque: 300Nm
Price: Dh169,900
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Ultra processed foods
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars;
- energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes,
- many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts.
A little about CVRL
Founded in 1985 by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, the Central Veterinary Research Laboratory (CVRL) is a government diagnostic centre that provides testing and research facilities to the UAE and neighbouring countries.
One of its main goals is to provide permanent treatment solutions for veterinary related diseases.
The taxidermy centre was established 12 years ago and is headed by Dr Ulrich Wernery.
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Specs%20
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