Exclusive : Bhajji - Cricketer, Singer, Producer, and Great Human Being


Exclusive : Bhajji - Cricketer, Singer, Producer, and Great Human Being

Walter Nandalike
Daijiworld Media Network

Kundapur, Feb 2: 32-year-old Harbhajan Singh Plaha, popularly known as 'Bhajji' is among the most exceptional talents Indian cricket has ever seen. Not only has he troubled the best of batmen the world over, he played an instrumental role in India's 2011 World Cup win too.

The cricketer who was in Shiroor for the foundation stone laying ceremony and the annual day of the famous Green Valley School spoke exclusively to Daijiworld and shared a few things beyond cricket.

The young Sardar, who is currently out of the Indian squad, enjoys equal popularity among the young and the old. Thousands of young students, their parents, well-wishers gathered to see Bhajji on Friday February 1. Though his press conference was delayed by more than an hour, the media fraternity patiently waited.

His press meet was official, and no sensational questions were asked or answers. He was confident of making a comeback in the Indian squad 'soon'.

"I am working extremely hard, I will do my best to return to international cricket at the earliest. I will be playing Irani Trophy on February 6 in India A side. That could be an important match for me," he said.

No doubt, for some time, Bhajji was in the news more for non-cricketing reasons than for his exploits on the field. Yet, one needs to meet him personally to appreciate his humility. His approach towards children and youngsters was amazing to the least, as he humbly and with great patience accepted photograph requests. He obliged everyone who wanted to click photographs with him.

Sadly, people still haven't forgetten his on-field controversy with Aussie Andrew Symonds and off-field controversy with Sreesanth. During the press meet, a question related to the issue seemed to have annoyed him, and one could see the hurt in his eyes. "What the media reported was not fully right," was what he felt.

"God gave me an opportunity to represent my county as a cricketer. I gave my best, still, my best is yet to come. Competition for a place in the side is tough, but nothing is impossible. Hard work always pays off," he told daijiworld.

It was a special moment when he approached the students of Dena Special School in Shiroor. His eyes spoke volumes of his soft nature as he hugged the children, gave them flowers for posed for photographs. It was a heart-touching scene as the humble Bhajji made the special kids happy and brought smiles on their faces. It was a moment they would cherish for a long time to come.

Talking about the upcoming Australia series, Bhajji felt that India could easily beat Australia. Absence of Ricky Ponting, Hussey and some other players will surely affect Australia, and they are not great players of spin either, he said.

"Once upon a time, they had all eleven star players. Right from Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne to Glenn McGrath — they were unbeatable as a unit. Ricky Ponting was a class act as well. It will be difficult for the Australians to replace them," he said.


Bhajji the Singer and Movie Producer :

Perhaps, not many know of Bhajji's talents off the field. He has turned a singer, and a good one too, with his recent "Ek Suneha" Punjabi song (his first) becoming a super hit with over 400,000 hits in YouTube within 72 hours of the launch. The video has a great message to mankind.

"I am just reciting lines that portray a very strong message about the true essence of being a Punjabi, and not what a Punjabi is generally thought to be by stereotypes. It's an inspirational message for all," he said, adding that the deep meaning in the lyrics is what made him take it up.

Bhajji is also planning to produce to two Punjabi movies, as singing and cinema are his hobbies. "I will be producing two comedy movies and I am also in touch with some top actors in the Bollywood and Punjabi film industries," he said, adding that the movies will be released outside India too.

When asked if he was also interested in acting movies, he said, 'Cricket is my passion and my first love. I will not act in films. Movies will be as just another interest and nothing more. Cricket will remain my first priority."

Bhajji conveyed his gratitude to Syed Abdul Khader, managing trustee, philantropist, and NRE entrepenuer who has converted Shiroor into a educational hub with Green Valley School, through whom he got an opportunity to visit the coastal cities and to interact with students of the Institute, and also with the special kids of Dena school.

"Meeting those special kids was a heart-touching moment. My love and prayers will always be with them," Bhajji said.

Bhajji's friend Syed Abdul Khadar who brought him to Shiroor says that Bhajji is involved in many charity works in Punjab and elsewhere, but Bhajji humbly refuses to let people know about it. "It is a part of our lives, and our duty too. I will continue my duty, but do not want to talk about it."
 

Video : Bhajji's song with strong message


  

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Comment on this article

  • L.Fernandes, goa/mumbai

    Wed, Feb 06 2013

    Bhaji may have all the qualities mentioned. How much charity work has be done for our indians.At world cup cricket victory lap,he took Tendulkar on his victory lap leaving the captain Dhoni for won the cup for the team.He tried being a captain and failed.

    DisAgree [1] Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • george dsouza, mangalore, mumbai

    Tue, Feb 05 2013

    the most overarted bowler in the indian cricket history. you seek the opinion of all past great spinners like BS Bedi, Prasanna and they will say he chucks too.Yes he is a fighting cricketer , but that does not make him a great! we have to be pragmatic and factual before anointing one as a great!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Peter DSouza, Bolkunje/Mangalore

    Mon, Feb 04 2013

    Bhajji's bowling style is great.I just love it

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • R.Bhandarkar., M

    Mon, Feb 04 2013

    First
    Bhajji the 'Spinner'
    Walter From 'Daiji'
    ...
    Liitle Later....
    Walter -The 'Spinner'
    Bajji -Daiji Reader'!

    DisAgree [1] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nelson Pinto, Dubai

    Sun, Feb 03 2013

    We wish to see Harbhajan Singh in forthcoming australia series

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kunath Panthan, Jharkhand

    Sun, Feb 03 2013

    Great article gives correct side of true Sardar cricketer

    DisAgree [4] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ashiba Sofi, Shiroor

    Sun, Feb 03 2013

    Thank you Bhajji for visiting our place. You are a great sportsperson

    DisAgree [2] Agree [3] Reply Report Abuse

  • Leslie fernandes, Brahmagiri, Udupi

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    MAN SO TRUE TO HIS VIEWS AND VALUES CAN ONLY BE A HEERA OF OUR GREAT INDIA.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shiela Kaul, New Delhi

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    Nice to see Bhajji relaxed...media should always bring this kind of interview. Cricketers also have life beyond game

    DisAgree [2] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sukranth K V, Bangalore

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    Bajju will be selected for Australia series. We need good spinner

    DisAgree [4] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shalini Mendonca, Dubai / Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    that is good gesture from Mr Harbajahn Singh. Will pray for his return to Indian cricket. Honestly, Indian team, is suffering without quality spinner like Singh

    DisAgree [3] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chintoo Singh, Jalandhar

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    This is called positive media. Some times Bhajji is victim of negative media. He has done great charity work, but silently. I admire you Bhajji

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Vikas Gowda, Bangalore

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    Thank you daijiworld for this article. This is real and better side of Bhajji. I am a great fan of him...video is awsome

    DisAgree [2] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • James Peter DSouza, Mulki / Abu Dhabi

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    Hats off to Mr Walter & Daiji network. Nice interview and pleased to know much about the Cricketer. Hope similar interviews of sports personalities will boost morale for our coastal youngsters

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • PRP, mangalore

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    Not a great person compared to cricket greats sachin or bradman. His conduct in field or dressing room shows. He cant be a role model for anyone, but is good at play. so he can be admired.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • jagdish, Mumbai, UAE

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

     Wish you all the best, come back to Indian Squad soon.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Keith, Mangalore

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    awsome guy !!!
    danced with him on stage !
    :)

    DisAgree [1] Agree [7] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jaimini P.B., Manipal,Sharjah

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    Cngrats Daiji..One more feather in the crown.Bhajji's visit to our place really thrilled us.Bhajji is a very intersting cricketer.Two important achievements I would like to share with readers.
    1.Hatrick against Australia in famous Kolkatta Test.(known as Dravid & Laxman Test)
    2.Consecutive centuries as a tail ender batsman against New Zealand in a Home Test series

    DisAgree [2] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • SRIDHAR SHETTY , DOHA /BARKUR

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    grt bhaji............

    DisAgree [1] Agree [6] Reply Report Abuse

  • THERESA LOBO, Mukamar-Sharjah

    Sat, Feb 02 2013

    All the Best Bhajji...May all your dreams come true. God bless you always. Your are a very good kind hearted person.Thanks Daiji for your interview with Bhajji and publishing this article.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse


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