Not just cricket for Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar has got little to prove on the cricket field; but off it, the sporting icon has one big regret -- not having learnt a musical instrument.

The little master loves tuning in to music, but not having learnt to play any musical instrument still rankles the star batsman, who was named by his grandfather after the famous composer Sachin Dev Burman.

"When I have the time I read, watch films and listen to music... I regret not having learnt a musical instrument," Tendulkar says.

Of the few recreations he has time, Tendulkar loves shopping, especially for CDs of Kishore Kumar, Lata Mangeshkar, U2, Eagles and Dire Straits. Nana Patekar, Amitabh Bachan and Maduri Dixit are his favourite movie stars.

"I am not an outgoing person. I value my family the most and whatever free time I get is completely dedicated to my wife, mother and children," Tendulkar says in an interview in the latest issue of Hi Blitz magazine.

Describing himself as a "regular guy", Tendulkar spoke about his love for sea food and fast cars, his role as a father and his religious life.

"Anjali [his wife] plays the main role in our family. I am travelling most of the time. So she handles 90 per cent of all the family issues. And she does a fabulous job. I have to admit that Anjali has had to sacrifice her career as a doctor for me to have a stress free life," he said.

Tendulkar, currently recuperating from an elbow injury, revels in the quality time spent with his wife and two children -- Sara and Arjun.

"I have no choice but to watch cartoon network with them every morning, but I thoroughly enjoy it."

Tendulkar and Anjali are known to be tight-lipped about their personal life, which was hardly surprising considering the huge fan following the master batsman enjoys in a cricket-crazy nation.

"Just before I leave for a match, I tell my daughter that I won't be back for another two weeks, she promises me she won't trouble her mom while I'm away," he revealed.

Does he watch the television like any other full bred Indian male?

"Not too much, but a bit of Discovery Channel, National Geographic or any of the sports channels," he said.

The world's highest run-getter in One-Day Internationals is a deeply religious person, but visiting a temple like an ordinary devotee is not the easiest option for him.

"Some times I make a trip at around 12 midnight. I don't mind going so late because I completely enjoy the peace and quiet."

Tendulkar's collection of cars is enviable and he loves the thrill of speed. Sometimes he steals a few late night drives in the streets of Mumbai.

"Yes, you can actually drive a Ferrari on Mumbai's roads," he said, when asked whether he gets the chance to drive the Ferrari in his home city.