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Ignore jellybeans incident, play to win: Shah Rukh

By Our Correspondent in London
Last updated on: August 09, 2007 23:05 IST
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Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was a surprise visitor at The Oval, on Day 1 of the third and final Test between India and England on Thursday.

He watched the morning session as India progressed well after electing to bat on a good track.

"I had great fun. All of them are playing well… Rahul [Dravid], [Wasim] Jaffer and [Dinesh Karthik], so I had a great time. I have never seen cricket from that point of view and angle [the commentary box], so it was great fun," he said.

"They [Team India] should win; everyone should try and win… whichever team plays well today and the next four days.

"I am a true sportsman, so I can't just say one country should win. Whichever country plays better should win. It would be most wonderful if India wins," he added.

In London for the premier of Chak De India, in which he plays a hockey coach, Shah Rukh said, "The film is about love for sport, so I hope it does well, because sporting films of this genre is very weak in India."

Earlier, the actor was in the Star Cricket commentary box at the ground and exhorted the Indian team not to get provoked by trifle matters, obviously referring to the jellybeans incident.

"I'm a believer in the saying that winning is everything. Do whatever it takes to win. But, at the same time, you are a sportsman and you have to be courteous and nice, jelleybeans notwithstanding," he said.

"For me, winning silver is losing the gold. But when I say all these things about winning, you also need to keep in mind that when you lose, it only means that your best was not better than the opponent's. I don't understand incidents like house burning or stone-pelting," he added.

Shah Rukh said he once faced Kapil Dev and Surinder Amarnath at the National stadium in Delhi and had "to wear my thigh pad on my chest as they bowled very fast".

He urged youngsters to take up sport.

"We may not be doing great in all sports but I think every youngster should think 'I'll play'," he said.

Describing himself as a "sportsperson at heart", he said, "If there is a team of over-40 players, I would love to be part of that team."

Text and video: Harish Kotian

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