Tahir Raj Bhasin: We had to be mindful that we were dealing with two sporting legends

Tahir Raj Bhasin, who plays Sunil Gavaskar in 83, on following director Kabir Khan’s lead to authentically represent Little Master’s dynamics with Kapil Dev

After 83, Tahir Raj Bhasin awaits a string of interesting releases — from Netflix’s Yeh Kaali Kaali Ankhein to Mahesh Bhatt’s creation Ranjish Hi Sahi. But at the moment, the actor is only too happy to soak in the love coming his way for the portrayal of Sunil Gavaskar in the sports drama. He starts off with, “It’s an honour that Kabir Khan chose to cast me as the legendary Sunil Gavaskar. I’m overwhelmed with the love, and to see how people have taken a keen interest in my on-screen dynamics with Ranveer [Singh] who plays Kapil Dev.” When the director finished the narration of the Singh-fronted drama, it was an instant yes from Bhasin. “Being part of 83 was an emotional decision,” he says.

Sunil Gavaskar and Kapil Dev. Pics/AFP, Atul Kamble

Telling the story of India’s victory at the 1983 World Cup would be incomplete without showing the players’ struggles and their interpersonal dynamics. The actor says he remained honest to Khan’s brief. “Kabir wanted to make 83 an authentic retelling. So, he had to show the vibe in the dressing room too. The scenes between Gavaskar and Dev were intricate. We had to be mindful that we were dealing with two sporting legends. There was a certain aura and reserved composure that Gavaskar brought to the locker room. Every dynamic had to be seen through this lens. He often made game-altering recommendations [that were born from] his experience. No matter what went on behind the scenes, on the field, they were all a team.”

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