'I was speechless and hugged Sachin Tendulkar after the film was over'

Tendulkar's biggest fan, Sudhir Gautam, was present for 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams' premiere; he sat with Anjali and Sachin for the movie and was left speechless after the biopic

Sudhir Gautam waves the Indian tri-colour flag as India icon Sachin Tendulkar enters the grand premier of his biopic, Sachin: A Billion Dreams at PVR Icon in Versova on Wednesday. Pic/PTI

India icon Sachin Tendulkar's biopic Sachin: A Billion Dreams, that hits theatres globally today, witnessed a grand premier on Wednesday at PVR Icon in Versova where members of the Champions Trophy-bound Team India and a flock of Bollywood celebrities, who were in attendance, were left spell-bound. Apart from the starry guest list, Tendulkar's biggest fan, Sudhir Gautam, was also present - his face painted and waving the tri-colour flag ferociously.

Also Read: Cricketers, Bollywood celebs rave about 'A Billion Dreams', Sachin thanks them

The Muzaffarpur-born simpleton, whose adulation for Tendulkar began in 2002, admitted he was left speechless after the film.

"I sat with Sachin sir and bhabhi (Tendulkar's wife Anjali) and watched the movie. After the film finished, I hugged sir and I was speechless. I felt very emotional watching Sachin in his childhood days when Ajit used to take him to Shivaji Park. I used to read stories how Sachin used to eat a vada pav in school and then immediately start practicing, but now I saw it in a film. It was really nice. Anjali bhabhi also asked me how was the movie was and I said, 'Amazing'," Sudhir told mid-day yesterday. The 36-year-old Sudhir, who will next support the Indian team at the Champions Trophy next month in England, faced a lot of financial issues along with visa problems ahead of the trip. However, Tendulkar threw his weight behind his loyal fan. In a letter written by the Master Blaster, a copy of which is in possession with mid-day, he said: "Sudhir has been one of my greatest fans and he has never expected anything in return for the adulation he has showered on me. It is unfortunate that someone from a modest background, who is supporting Indian cricket without any help from the players, is made to face such hardships. I hope on my behest you will extend your cooperation to Sudhir Kumar as required by him."

With the help of the letter, Sudhir approached RJ Abhilash Thapliyal, who has sponsored his entire stay during the tournament. Thapliyal has also developed a crowd-funding initiative to further assist Sudhir in his future trips.

Also Read: 'Guru' Ramakant Achrekar, Team India, Vijender Singh catch 'Sachin: A Billion Dreams'

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