Actors Angad Bedi and Neha Dhupia organized a special function on Wednesday to celebrate the birth anniversary of former cricket great Bishan Singh Bedi in New Delhi. The function attracted many well-known cricketers like Kapil Dev, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag, and Mohammad Azharuddin.
Neha Dhupia shared an adorable moment about her son, Guriq Singh Dhupia Bedi. She says he already seems to be taking after his grandfather. “At two and a half, he knows how to hit a ball and pick up a bat,” says Neha, adding that Guriq even mimics his grandfather’s twitch. And picks up his collar just like him. She hoped one day that they would have lots to tell about Bishan.
Neha sat and reflected upon her relationship with Bishan. “That dinner was the most fun I had,” she remembered aloud, speaking about the dinner they had before her wedding to Angad. That dinner helped them gel; it converted her from a fan to someone who could call him “Dad” in just a few minutes.
Angad Bedi also spoke about his father. He said Bishan was special not just for him but to the entire cricket fraternity. “He led by example and had a unique thought process that everyone respected,” Angad said. Also he asserted that a lot of cricketers present at the function showed respect for Bishan, which meant more than anything in the world.
The actor shared one of his childhood memories. “When I was 7 or 8, we would sleep in a pickup truck and watch the stars”. Angad spoke of how his relationship with Bishan evolved from being a son to seeing him as a mentor and friend.
Bishan Singh Bedi died on October 23, 2023, after attaining 77 years of age. Bedi had represented India in 67 Tests and ten ODIs and had collected 273 wickets. He was known for his mature understanding of the game and his beautiful style of bowling. He obtained 1,560 first-class wickets and was captain of India in 22 Tests with three wins overseas.
Bedi pioneered India’s first ODI in 1974 and then led the country in their first-ever ODI as captain in 1975. During his career, he won various awards. Including the Padma Shri in 1970 also and the CK Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. He remains alive in history as one of the finest left-arm spinners to have played the game.
ANI