Imagine the Harry Potter actor standing in a queue to get Tendulkar's autograph!
We often assume that admiration only flows one way - that we in India are fans of global celebrities, but they wouldn't know or care much about ours. Especially when it comes to someone from the West, the idea that they could be a fan of our icons feels far-fetched. But let's have a fun reality check. Did you know that Daniel Radcliffe (yes, the boy who lived) is a huge fan of our cricketing legend, Sachin Tendulkar? Well, on the Harry Potter actor's birthday, let’s learn this unexpected and heartwarming connection between the world of magic and the world of cricket.
Long before he picked up a wand on screen, Radcliffe had picked up a cricket bat in real life. In interviews, he has openly shared that he grew up watching the sport and once even dreamed of representing the England National Cricket Team. That dream eventually made way for the magical world of Harry Potter, but his love for the game stayed intact.
What’s more fascinating is the fact that his cricket obsession revolves around one name, Sachin Tendulkar.
“I’m a huge fan of Sachin Tendulkar. He’s a legend. In fact, his is the first name that comes to my mind when I think of India!” Radcliffe said in an interview around 2011. "I really want to visit India someday,” he added, reflecting a curiosity that goes beyond cricket.
Despite being a global superstar by the mid-2000s, Radcliffe never let fame get in the way of his fanboy moments. One such memorable moment came in 2007 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. India and England were facing off in a Test match, an intense contest that ended in a draw. While the match was thrilling, the highlight for Radcliffe came after the final ball was bowled.
After meeting some members of the English team, he joined a line of fans, waiting eagerly for just a brief interaction with his idol, Tendulkar.
“I didn’t know what to get signed, so I just handed him a nine of diamonds playing card that belonged to my friend,” he recalled in an interview. “I still have it pinned up in my room. It was a total delight to watch him play. My friends and I were absolutely thrilled to meet him.”
Imagine that. Harry Potter himself lining up like any other fan, holding a playing card instead of a piece of memorabilia. That moment speaks volumes about Tendulkar’s influence that transcends boundaries, generations, and even celebrity status.
Radcliffe’s love for India isn’t limited to cricket. He’s also expressed a deep interest in Indian literature and culture. “I’ve read a lot about India. One of the most fascinating books I came across was Midnight’s Children. The country sounds magical and full of stories,” he said. He even revealed he had planned to visit India during the Cricket World Cup but had to skip the trip due to his Broadway commitments for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
Still, he remains hopeful. “Cricket or no cricket, I’m certainly planning a trip to India soon,” he had said at the time.
Interestingly, unlike many fans who fall in love with their sport during a national victory, Radcliffe became a cricket enthusiast after a major defeat. “Most people got into cricket when we won the Ashes. I got into it when we were beaten 5-0 by Australia in 2006-07,” he once said with a laugh. That speaks to his genuine passion for the sport, beyond just the scoreboard.
