Title: Saw Big B for 1st time at his poll rally sitting on my father’s shoulders: Kaif
As a cricketer, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many celebrities and icons in the world of sports. But, recently, I had the opportunity to meet a Bollywood legend and a national icon, Amitabh Bachchan, at the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) 2025. As we chatted and took pictures together, I couldn’t help but think back to the first time I saw him – at an election rally, sitting on my father’s shoulders near our home.
I’m Mohammad Kaif, a former India batter, and the son of former cricketer Mohammad Tarif. Growing up, I was always fascinated by the world of cricket, but my father’s stories about politics and social activism also left a lasting impression on me. As a young boy, I would often accompany my father to political rallies and events, trying to make sense of the complex world of politics.
One such event that I remember vividly is when I saw Amitabh Bachchan for the first time. It was an election rally, and my father had taken me along to show me what democracy looked like in action. As we reached the venue, I saw a sea of people gathered to listen to a charismatic leader speak. My father lifted me up onto his shoulders, and as we pushed our way through the crowd, I caught a glimpse of a tall, imposing figure with a commanding presence – Amitabh Bachchan.
I was in awe of the actor and his larger-than-life persona. My father told me that he was a famous Bollywood superstar, and I couldn’t believe my eyes. I remember feeling a mix of excitement and intimidation as I gazed up at him, trying to take it all in. The rally was a cacophony of noise, music, and slogans, but Amitabh’s voice cut through the din, inspiring the crowd with his words.
As I sat on my father’s shoulders, I felt a sense of pride knowing that I was witnessing something special. My father, a cricket enthusiast himself, was thrilled to see his son taking an interest in politics and social issues. Little did I know that years later, I would have the opportunity to meet Amitabh Bachchan again, this time as a cricketer and a respected figure in the sporting world.
Fast-forward to ISPL 2025, where I was participating as a player. The tournament brought together some of the biggest names in Indian cricket, and I was thrilled to be a part of it. As I walked onto the field, I noticed Amitabh Bachchan watching the game from the sidelines. I couldn’t believe my eyes – it was the same man I had seen at that election rally all those years ago.
I made my way over to him, and we exchanged warm greetings. It was a surreal moment, to say the least. We chatted about cricket, politics, and our shared passion for social causes. Amitabh, as always, was warm and engaging, asking me about my cricketing career and offering words of encouragement.
As we took pictures together, I couldn’t help but think back to that election rally where I saw him for the first time. It was a moment that had stayed with me, and now, here I was, standing alongside him as a respected cricketer. I realized that, despite our different backgrounds and professions, we shared a common thread – a desire to make a positive impact on society.
As I looked at Amitabh, I was struck by his humility and kindness. Despite being a national icon, he was down-to-earth and genuinely interested in the people around him. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet him again, and I knew that this chance encounter would stay with me for a long time.
As I walked away from the ISPL 2025 venue, I couldn’t help but reflect on the journey I had taken. From watching Amitabh Bachchan at an election rally to meeting him as a respected cricketer, it was a journey that had taught me valuable lessons about humility, hard work, and the power of positive influences.
As a cricketer, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many celebrities and icons, but meeting Amitabh Bachchan has been a highlight of my career. It’s a reminder that, despite our differences, we can all make a positive impact on society, whether it’s through our work, our passions, or our actions.
