Forget Mary Kom biopic, get ready to see Brett Lee in a Bollywood romance

New Delhi, Sep 8: After being part of a Bollywood film and music video, former Australia cricketer Brett Lee is all set to become a full-time actor in an Indo-Australian romantic comedy, aptly titled 'UnIndian'.

The 37-year-old pacer, who announced his retirement from international cricket in 2012, says he was being approached to do films for the past ten years but did not feel it was the right time until now.

"For the past ten years I have been asked to do a film. But it wasn't the right time, wasn't the right script or wasn't the right movie, So I didn't do it. I was so fixed on my cricket. And I guess now that I am going through this transitional phase I thought why not give it a try. This was such a great opportunity," Lee told PTI in an interview here.

The cricketer, who juggles between cricket commentary, business and charity, says he took up the film because he did not want to regret not doing it later in life. "In life, I have always wanted to do other things rather than just cricket. I don't want to get to the age of 50 and feel I wish I had done a movie. I have always given my 100 per cent in whatever I have done and will do that with the film as well," he said.

'UnIndian' will be directed by Anupam Sharma, an Indian origin-director, actor, producer and author from Australia. The film was announced on Thursday by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Mumbai and will be produced by the recently established the Australia India Film Fund (AIFF).

In the film, Lee, who has a huge female fan following in India, will be seen romancing actress Tannishtha Chatterjee. The sportsman says he is comfortable doing a romantic film as it suits his real life personality.

"A romantic comedy is a good genre. It suits my character. Maybe, I can do an action film later. Just like me, my character is also in love with all things India. I am looking forward to begin shooting for the film shortly," he said.

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Outrage over Mumbai’s law and order after attack on Saif Ali Khan; celebrities demand action

News Network

January 16,2025

Mumbai: In a shocking incident that has shaken Mumbai, actor Saif Ali Khan was stabbed six times in his residence in Bandra, one of the city’s most affluent areas. Sources in the police revealed that the attacker is suspected to have ties to one of the house helps, who reportedly facilitated the intruder's entry into the actor’s home. The house help is currently under police questioning.

The 54-year-old actor, who sustained one stab wound dangerously close to his spine, underwent surgery at Lilavati Hospital and is now reportedly out of danger.

Mumbai Police, under scrutiny after the audacious attack, stated, "An unidentified person intruded in the residence of actor Saif Ali Khan. The actor and the intruder had a scuffle. The actor is injured and is being treated. Investigation is going on."

CCTV footage at the actor’s residence did not show any unauthorized entry in the two hours leading up to the incident, leading investigators to believe that the attacker had gained access earlier and was waiting for the right moment to strike. Efforts are underway to identify the culprit from available CCTV footage.

Opposition Slams Government on Law and Order

The attack has sparked widespread criticism of Maharashtra’s law and order situation, with the Opposition targeting Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and his government. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi questioned Mumbai’s safety standards, particularly in Bandra, an area known for its high concentration of celebrities.

“What a shame that Mumbai sees another high-profile attack. The incident involving Saif Ali Khan raises serious questions about the safety provided by Mumbai Police and the Home Minister,” said Ms. Chaturvedi. She also referenced the murder of veteran politician Baba Siddique and the firing outside actor Salman Khan's home, calling it a series of deliberate attacks aimed at undermining Mumbai’s security.

“Baba Siddique’s family is still waiting for justice. Salman Khan lives in a bulletproof house. Now Saif Ali Khan is attacked—all in Bandra. If celebrities aren’t safe, who in Mumbai is? Wishing Saif Ali Khan a speedy recovery,” she added.

Celebrities Demand Action

Actor Pooja Bhatt also expressed her outrage over the incident, calling for increased police presence in Bandra. Taking to social media platform X, the 52-year-old actor demanded immediate action from authorities, tagging Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his deputies Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar, and minister Ashish Shelar.

“Can this lawlessness please be curbed @MumbaiPolice @CPMumbaiPolice? We need more police presence in Bandra. The city, especially the queen of the suburbs, has never felt so unsafe before,” Bhatt tweeted. She further emphasized, “We have laws, but what about order?”

The incident has not only highlighted glaring security lapses in Mumbai but has also intensified the ongoing debate about the safety of both celebrities and ordinary citizens in India’s financial capital. Investigations are ongoing as the police work to apprehend the attacker and restore confidence in the city's safety.

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