'Tendulkar's retirement will be a huge loss for every Indian'

Sachin Tendulkar is receiving praise and adulation from all quarters. Adding to that was actor Abhishek Bachchan, who termed the Master Blaster the best sportsman in the world.

“With due respect to all the sportsmen in the world -- irrespective of the sport they play -- I firmly believe Sachin is the world's greatest sportsperson.

- Farewell Sachin... write a postcard to the batting icon

“Sachin Tendulkar’s retirement is going to be a huge loss for every Indian. He has given great service to our nation for the last 24 years and I wish him all the very best for his future.” said Abhishek, at India Today Group's 'Salaam Sachin' conclave..

Abhishek then took a trip down memory lane and narrated an incident, where he fulfilled Sachin’s wish of watching his father Amitabh Bachchan’s film.

“The first time I met Sachin was almost 15 years ago. Rohan Gavaskar (Sunil Gavaskar’s son) and I have been friends for the longest time. We studied together in school and then later on got busy with our own lives,” Abhishek said, adding, “One day I got a call from him and he said, ‘Sachin had requested me to call you as he wanted to see your father’s (Amitabh Bachchan) film Aks’.

“Rohan and I organised a private screening for Sachin and his family at a preview theatre in Filmcity. I remember, I was working as a production assistant on the film, so I made sure everything was perfect. I reached the venue an hour early as I wanted everything should be in place. This is how I was introduced to him.”

On comparisons between Sachin Tendukar and his father Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek said his father is the greatest actor, while Sachin is the world's greatest cricketer. 

"If you ask Sachin who is better, he will say dad; and if you ask dad, he will say Sachin."

Abhishek admires Sachin for being grounded despite his massive achievements.

“If I could learn something from him, then it would be his humility. He has achieved so much for the country, for the team and himself, but, still, Sachin has always been grounded and humble. I think every Indian should admire him.”

A big fan of the batting icon, Abhishek will take time off from shooting and watch Sachin’s last Test, which begins on Thursday at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai,

“I am shooting for Farah Khan’s Happy New Year, but I convinced her to give us a leave to watch Sachin Tendulkar play his last Test.

“To see him walk out to play for the last time will be a moment to cherish. It's irrespective if he scores a century in his last Test or not.”