Happy Birthday Jammy!

He’s one of India’s greatest batsmen but never got his due. Even when he scored big runs he was always outshined or overshadowed by other team members, a phenomenon that started right from his debut in Test cricket. Dravid made his debut at Lord's on 20 June 1996 against England in the Second Test of the series with Sourav Ganguly and scored 95 runs. However Ganguly went on to score a century and became the celebrated hero.

Dravid’s batting was as perfect as a coaching manual. His name was a constant at number three on the scoreboard and there were innumerable times when he was a savior for the team. He was nicknamed “The Wall” for his impeccable defence and till date he is fondly remembered as 'The Wall' of Indian cricket.

"Even though Sachin is great, I have always found Rahul more solid and hard to get out. He has a solid defense and plays less shots than others. When a batsman plays less shots then it is tough to get him as he makes less mistakes." – Shoaib Akhtar

Rahul Dravid has always been my hero, ever since I started watching cricket. In fact, he is the reason I started watching cricket. I have been an ardent supporter and have admired him not only as a player but also for the man that he is. 

"If you can't get along with Dravid, you're struggling in life," said Brett Lee. Dravid truly is the epitome of a perfect gentleman.

Today Jammy turns 41 and I wish him a very Happy Birthday! He may have retired from the game but I will continue to be his fan. There never was and perhaps will never be, one like him!

For those interested, here’s a list of what fellow players have to say about this legend – http://tinyurl.com/DravidQuora

Happy Birthday Mr. Bose! :)

As I say I am not a huge fan of celebrities barring two people. Coincidentally they are both called Rahul – Rahul Dravid and Rahul Bose. Today this post is dedicated to the latter. To YOU Mr. Bose!

It wasn't a crush or love at first sight. I can’t really pinpoint the first time I saw you (on screen of course), or your first movie that I watched. It was a gradual love affair! The thing that appealed to me most was your speaking skills – that voice, the command over the language, the pronunciation and the expressions. Oh what an articulate speaker you are! I remember those days when I would wait eagerly to watch you speak – be it at an interview or a social event. I would be so awestruck I could just watch you speak the whole day! I still can.

Then came the love for your movies, both mainstream and parallel cinema. One of the first movies to win you international critical acclaim was English, August (1994). It is more than a coincidence that this movie is based on my favourite book ever. That’s another thing that the movie continues to elude me. Don’t know if I will ever be able to lay my hands on it. Then followed so many others – Mr. and Mrs. Iyer, 15 Park Avenue, Before the Rains, Jhankaar Beats, Chameli, Pyaar ke Side Effects, Shaurya, The Japanese Wife, Midnight’s Children and many others. Jhankaar Beats is an all time favourite and it’s one movie I can watch from beginning to end numerous times. As an actor I love your expressions, your sense of humour, the ease with which you slip into a character and your acting of course. You are one of the most versatile actors in Bollywood today.

I like, adore, admire you not just because you are a good orator and actor but for your social activism too. I have seen you at various social events, raising your voice against issues, supporting various causes and so much more. You do it so earnestly. I love the person that you are. You personify handsome. You are the man of my dreams!

Today, as you turn 46, I wish you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! You continue to inspire and motivate me and I will be your ardent fan for life. Wish you great success, good health, excellent movies and all that you may wish for.