I dream of Sushmita: Wasim Akram
Alka Rastogi
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/181_1353967,00070001.htm
Lucknow, May 8, 2005
Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram, in Lucknow recently for an anti-diabetes campaign, admits he’s a great fan of Indian cinema and finds Sushmita Sen the sexiest Bollywood actress.
What role has cricket played in relations between India and Pakistan?
I strongly believe cricket has improved Indo-Pak relations and is acting as a bridge between the two nations.
Do you think an Indo-Pak cricket series every year would become monotonous?
Yes. Playing a full-fledged series every year, besides the two teams meeting in triangular tournaments and other ODI series has dampened the charm of Indo-Pak cricket matches. If the current trend continues, we could soon be seeing empty stands in the stadium.
Do you think today’s bowlers know how to work on the ball?
I don’t think so. To get reverse swing one has to work on the ball. However it is the duty of not just bowlers but the entire team to maintain the shine on one side.
Is it right that you are great fan of Hindi film music?
Sure. My current favourites are Yeh Lamhe from Mahesh Bhatt’s Zeher and the songs of Yash Chopra’s Veer Zara. I also enjoy listening to Lata Mangeshkar Sahiba and Kishore Kumar is my all-time favourite.
Who is your favourite Bollywood actress?
I am a fan of Sushmita Sen. I love watching her movies. My God, she’s very hot! I often dream of her. Although I don’t like her acting all that much, she sure is sexy!
Any plans to join politics like your mentor Imran Khan?
No way. I have no interest in politics. I am thoroughly enjoying my new role as a TV commentator.
What brings you to Lucknow?
I am here to promote an anti-diabetes campaign.
How did you become associated with this particular cause?
I was myself diagnosed with diabetes in 1997. But I continued to have a very successful career despite that. My wife Huma always encouraged me to live life with zest. I have no idea how I became diabetic since no one in my family for five generations suffered from the disease. But I do feel there’s an urgent need to create awareness about diabetes, especially among the young.
What are your impressions of Lucknow?
It is great city. I have been mesmerised by the culture and urbanity of its people. I am also bowled over by the chaste Urdu that people speak here. Chaste Urdu is not spoken even in Lahore where it has distinct Punjabi flavour. Lucknavi Zuban is more Khalis than Lahori. (The language of Lucknow is purer than that of Lahore).
