'Sachin stood in the middle of a dust storm like Lawrence of Arabia'

It's the day Indian cricket fans will remember for the rest of their lives.

As Sachin Tendulkar plays the last match of his glorious career at Mumbai's Wankhede stadium, starting today, Bollywood stars recount their fondest Tendulkar memory.

Ayushmann Khurrana

He has always been my idol.

My first memorable Tendulkar moment was when he got out in the semi-finals of 1996 World Cup against Sri Lanka, and the entire Indian team had embarrassingly crumbled.

My brother and I wept because of that loss.

My second memorable moment with him was when I anchored the IPL Season 3 and was on field constantly with the cricketers.

His presence alone was enough for a die-hard fan like me.

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I have three memorable Sachin anecdotes.

The first was when he got hit by Waqar’s bouncer on his nose during his maiden tour to Pakistan in 1989 at the age of 16.

His nose was bloodied. He stood there, shook it off and later took Waqar for three consecutive fours.

My second Sachin moment was in Sharjah. There was a huge sandstorm and both teams ran into the pavilion.

Sachin stood there in the middle of the pitch  in the middle of the dust like Lawrence of Arabia resting on his bat.

Once the dust storm died, the Sachin storm began.

He scored 132 runs and won the finals.

My third Sachin memory is at the Hero Cup finals against South Africa.

It was the last over, with 8 runs left for them to win. Azharuddin, Kapil and gang were in a conference as to who will bowl last over.

Sachin grabbed the ball from Azharuddin, bowled and gave 5 runs and got a wicket. India won.

My ultimate Sachin moment would be the one where he lifted the World Cup trophy in 2011 on home ground.


Pooja Bedi

My memory of Sachin is of him coming to toddler pre-school, sitting in class and participating with his kids along with the other parents.

He was so down-to-earth, caring, and a good, responsible parent.

My most vivid memory of Sachin is from the first time I met him.

It was in his restaurant in the year 2004. I was speechless.

I do remember, however, that as he entered his restaurant, half the patrons stood up.

That’s the kind of awe and affection he has always evoked.