DHAKA: One of the fastest bowlers in cricket history has made an unlikely career move - starring in a romantic comedy.

The film ‘UnIndian’ was shot in Sydney and will open across 300 screens on the cricket-mad sub-continent after a red-carpet premiere on 19 August.

Australian cricket legend Brett Lee plays an English teacher who falls in love with a single mother played by Bollywood star Tanishtha Chatterjee.

Lee - who is hugely popular in India - told the BBC that he has always seen himself as something of an actor.

“On the cricket field I’m totally different on the field to what I am off the field,” Lee said.

“It came naturally to be in front of the camera.”

Since his playing days, Lee has built a presence in India - appearing in a string of TV commercials and even releasing a music single.

He also established some Bollywood connections playing in the Indian Premier League - playing under Shah Rukh Khan for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Preity Zinta for the Kings XI Punjabs.

The cricket star was offered the leading role in the £2.6 million ($3.4m) film after meeting with the director over a cup of coffee.

“He showed me the script, which I loved - an Australian film with a bit of Bollywood flavor, a bit of Bollywood culture and beautiful message through the film - that love has no boundaries.”

BDST: 1418 HRS, AUG 11, 2016
RR