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`After Rajni, could it be Balaji?'
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I can make good fish curry and cook for the whole unit — Rajiv
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They call themselves the `Madras Machaans.' They have a lot in common — both love Rajnikant movies, are gadget freaks and spend hours listening to music. However, one considers himself an excellent cook, while the other claims his mom does not allow him into the kitchen because he might mess it up. Both have a common friend in Anil Kumble. One is at his best behind the camera, the other, at the crease. Welcome cinematographer Rajiv Menon and star cricketer Lakshmipathi Balaji. They first met in Australia but caught up with each other again recently in good old Chennai.
S. Shivakumar recorded their experiences.
Rajiv Menon: Balaji, You have been able to play beyond the boundary. You played right into the hearts of the crowds!
Balaji: (with his flashing smile) I love to be natural. I am basically a simple person and love a good game of cricket.
Rajiv: (in a lighter vein) You've got charisma. You can never say, after Rajnikant, it could be Balaji in Tamil Nadu.
Balaji: (cuts him short) No way. I am a big fan of Rajni. In fact, he's a favourite with almost all Tamil Nadu cricketers. I watched "Baasha" at least 100 times. Watching Rajni movies is our way of relaxing when we go abroad. But I have not met him.
Rajiv: Really? Rajni will be only too pleased to meet you. He happens to be a cricket fan. I will definitely arrange a meeting for you. I too am a great Rajni fan.
Rajiv: You are able to connect with the crowd. My advice: don't become an actor. What about music? Any bathroom singing?
Balaji: I love the melodious songs of Ilayaraja, Yesudas and S. P. Balasubramaniam. My favourite song is `Raja Raja Cholan' ("Rettai Vaal Kuruvi"), which I keep humming most of the time.
Rajiv: Okay, Balaji, How did you get interested in cricket?
Balaji: I loved playing street cricket, especially with a tennis ball. Then I played in several floodlit matches, sometimes two or more matches on the same day. I used to hop on a motorcycle and travel between West Mambalam and Velacheri to play matches. I took to serious cricket only when I was 17. My uncle noticed my bowling skills and introduced me to the red cherry. From then on it was hard work.
Rajiv: (looking surprised): It is amazing to see your transformation from a `tennis ball bowler' to a world class one... in seven years.
Balaji: Your knowledge of cricket is good. Did you ever play the game?
Rajiv: I used to open for my school team. But, later, I quit cricket to pursue my passion for quizzing. I specialised in painting and the arts. This area fascinated me and I eventually took to serious photography.
Balaji: How did your parents react to your decision to study photography?
Rajiv: (on a sentimental note) I lost my father when I was 15. My mother was very supportive. Her advice was, "You live only once. Do whatever you want, but do it well." What about you?
Balaji: My two sisters are software engineers. My parents wanted me to pursue engineering or medicine as a career. But I was not very good in studies. Even now they insist that I complete my B.Com degree. They feel my wedding invitation will not look good without a degree following my name.
Rajiv: (amused) I have a suggestion. Print "B.Com discontinued" on your invitation and put in brackets `82 wickets'. Now, won't that read well?
Balaji: (taking a friendly dig at Rajiv) How come there have not been too many movies from you recently?
Rajiv: (laughs) No place for old people I guess. Just joking. I will make a movie when I get a good script. I like to do different types of movies. I liked "Autograph."
Balaji: You are good looking. How come you never took to acting?
Rajiv: I prefer direction or simply to remain behind the camera. I like to give instructions (laughs).
Balaji: Your looks would make heads turn. How does your wife cope?
Rajiv: (pretending not to hear) What kind of cuisine do you enjoy?
Balaji: I am a non-vegetarian. We eat a lot of ready-to-mix masalas while touring. I am good at making Maggi noodles and relish it with egg podimas. It tastes great.
Rajiv: What is podimas?
Balaji: Scrambled eggs.
Rajiv: Oh! That sounds great. Well, I make good fish curry and can cook for a whole unit. I love cooking.
Balaji: (amused): I too love cooking but my mother claims that I make the kitchen messy and does not allow me to cook. My favourite dish is prawn curry and rice.
Rajiv: Let's return to cricket again. Who is your favourite Tamil Nadu cricketer?
Balaji: Robin Singh, of course. He's a real tough guy. Imagine he came back after such a long break. Sheer will power. Great player. The list is longer than that ... Ramesh, Badani ....
Rajiv: Who gives tips on the field?
Balaji: All the seniors. In fact, Anil Kumble is very helpful. He will talk to me in Tamil and call me machaan.
Rajiv: (changing the subject) Sachin is a good actor. He is a focussed person. I did a commercial shoot with him.
Balaji: I don't like acting and so have never aspired to be an actor. I always wanted to be a cricketer.
Rajiv: (nods in acknowledgement) There's a price to pay for stardom. People love to put you down. What is your advice to up-and-coming bowlers?
Balaji: Be a trier. Never give up. I believe in hard work.
Rajiv: Yes, it's all in the mind.
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