Beyond the famous faces
The fact that these personalities have been chosen to represent brands at an interantional level speaks volumes about their success. TIME 'N STYLE goes behind the faces they portray, presenting a glimpse of the occasional indulgences
they fancy
Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar fields questions from Veyoleen Mehrotra on luxury watches, lifestyle and of course, cricket
A Master STROKE
What is your definition of luxury?
The concept of luxury varies at different stages in your life—when one is 18-19 years old, it could be a particular car. When you reach 25, you dream of another car and at 35 you think of another one. It’s like music—as you grow and evolve so does your taste. When it comes to possessions, I opt for products that I feel I can carry off well, and am comfortable with. Naturally, the big brands appeal to me; over the years, what they have been able to achieve makes them special. To cite an example, the Audemars Piguet watch on my wrist is something special. I’ve always wanted to wear it and now that I have it on my wrist, it makes me feel good.
So what is your definition of a luxury watch today?
I like sporty and big, chunky watches. I admire chronographs and other special mechanisms and features like skeleton dials. In fact, a watch that I really like is the Audemars Piguet with the perpetual calendar feature, which looks absolutely fabulous. It’s so unlike any other watch that one has ever seen. It invokes a special feeling when you wear it and never fails to bring a smile to your face.
What does the concept of time mean to you?
Time has always been difficult to manage and for me, it is about finding the right balance among cricket commitments, commercial commitments and family. In spite of this, I’ve succeeded in finding a balance. I’m also quite particular about things being done on time. After all, time is of the greatest essence to anyone. I respect that and I believe that there is a time for everything in life.
Do you like to collect watches?
Yes, I love collecting watches but I don’t count them. Personally, it’s not the numbers that make my collection great but the satisfaction that I get from them. If having two-three watches makes me happy, then it’s certainly more important than having an extensive range of 25-30 watches. The quality is important, not the quantity, and I’m quite happy with the number that I have because it’s quality.
What was your contribution to the Audemars Piguet-Sachin Tendulkar watch?
I drew some sketches and sent them across to the brand. Being an Indian and a cricketer, I wanted the watch to have references to both these aspects. Since we accomplished that, it’s definitely a special watch. It also features the figure 10, which is the number of my jersey. The stitching on the strap resembles the seam of a cricket ball and the colours are inspired from the Indian flag. Even the hands within the chronograph feature the tri-colour. So there is an ideal mix of India and cricket brought forth by fine watchmaking.
Which was your first luxurious purchase?
My first luxury purchase was my car, which I bought sometime in 1990-’91. I love driving, so I was extremely proud of finally getting a car of my own.
Favourite choices in luxury and why:
Car: Although it’s not possible, I’d love to own a Formula 1 car because I’m drawn to speed. Motor racing fascinates me as I enjoy acceleration and braking. So a Formula 1 car is a natural extension of this aspiration.
Cuisine: It is difficult for me to control my weight because I love trying out different food—from Japanese to Lebanese and homemade stuff, including North Indian and South Indian—you name it and I like it. When it comes to food, I have so many memories but there is one that stands out among all others. About seven years ago, we were in Zimbabwe in the middle of a forest having a barbecue. The whole team was present so it made the evening very special. I was in charge of cooking, which basically means that I was helping out the local guys. The dinner went on till almost two a.m. Barely three hours later we woke up and ventured out into the forest in open-topped kombis! It was a really memorable experience.
Holiday destination: I like spending time in England because I can do normal things with my children. I can walk on the streets, visit the gardens and play with them. It’s a special treat for them because they don’t get to do all that with me here in India. I happen to be a cricketer and with that life changes in India. When I’m in England, it’s my ‘time off’ because I have more fun than them. There is total freedom to do whatever I want and that is extremely important for me as a family man.
Couture designer/ brand: I prefer casual over formal clothing. I like Armani, Boss and True Religion. It’s not just the brand, well to a certain extent it is because one is influenced by that. However, if something catches my eye, I instantly pick it up. I’m an impulsive shopper—I have to repeat to myself at least five times before leaving my home that I’m not going to buy anything. In spite of that, I sometimes end up shopping.
What do you do when you aren’t playing cricket?
Commercial commitments are there but that doesn’t take up too much time. So my free time is spent with my family. I listen to music, watch films, and play different racquet sports. I used to go karting but I haven’t been able to do that in recent years. I also enjoy playing video games with my children. We play games that feature tennis, bowling, golf, etc. and we compete against each other. My son would thrash my daughter and me at every game. For a while there, I managed to gain the edge but that didn’t last too long. I need to learn new tricks to defeat them.
Describe an average day in the life of Sachin Tendulkar.
I have to figure out what an average day is since every day is different. When I’m touring, obviously everything is cricket-centric and discussions and activities revolve around how we can win that particular match/ series. Planning, meetings, practice sessions, gym sessions and team dinners are usual. But when I’m not touring then other commercial commitments take place. Besides that I have a group of friends that I’m very close to. I normally have dinner with them or have them over and simply catch up on life. I’m not one of those who like to party or stay out late.
What are your plans for the future?
Honestly, I have no plans for the future. Whatever cricket is left in me, I want to make the most of it. I have plenty of time to think about other things. For any sportsman, it is important to have your priorities in place and focus your energy in one direction. This is vital because if you lose your concentration for even a fraction of a second, you pay a heavy price and we can’t afford to do that. We have to focus on the game at all times.
When I film a commercial and it runs for 365 days, in actuality it’s taken me only a few hours to shoot it. Once it’s done, you resume playing cricket. About retiring from the game, I don’t know when that will happen. Only once I retire, will I start thinking about other things. I like the way things are right now, who knows what the future has in store?
