When you live with someone long enough, they become a part of you. To write about Sachin, therefore, isn’t easy— because it is a reflection of myself as much as it is about him. We have known each other for 33 years now. Every day has been a celebration of our similarities and differences. We have gone through different stages of our partnership, like every couple—courtship, marriage, becoming parents, and to now seeing our children become adults and carve out their own lives.
We come from very different cultural backgrounds. Yet, we have been brought up with the same value systems. Both of us believe in according every person’s dignity and respect.
Cricket Adda with the Birthday Boy
What is praiseworthy about Sachin is that despite all the fame and adulation, he still treats everyone equally. Irrespective of someone’s position in society, he treats everyone the same. Whoever comes to our home is our guest—and they will be treated with the same warmth. Money, power and success are immaterial; what comes foremost is that every person is a unique human being who deserves respect. Sachin and I feel very strongly about this, which we have tried to pass on to our children as well.
We have differences as well. For example, both of us love gadgets. But I would go through the operations manual before I start operating one, whereas Sachin would be more hands-on, and he would work his way through the device and figure it out by using it.
We have both supported each other in our personal and professional lives. When Sachin played for India, there would be phases when I realized he needed to be given the space required. Likewise, he has been a very supportive partner. Many people have asked me what I have planned for Sachin’s 50th birthday. We have been very private people— so this birthday will be no different. It’ll be something with very close friends and family.
Blunting Fearsome Caribbean pace, and the Golden Arm
*Extracted with permission from Simon and Schuster from Sachin@50