Deconstructing Sachin Tendulkar in an Art Show

Imagine deconstructing Sachin Tendulkar's cricket career which included 100 international hundreds, 51 in Tests, 49 in ODIs, 34357 runs and the expressions of millions of fans over 24 years in one art exhibition. Possible? Well, anything is but this one took as many as 10 artists.

''Deconstructed Innings'' a contemporary art show dedicated to Tendulkar is currently being held at the National Gallery of Modern Art in Mumbai. All the exhibits were unique in their own way. From showcasing Tendulkar's batting grip in each of his 100 international centuries to a picture that shows how oppositions the world over tried to dismiss the Little Master, the exhibition had it all.

What stands out is a live simulation of the breaking of a window pane by a cricket ball in Mumbai followed by a sound recording of a woman in Marathi. Yes! That is what Sachin did so often. The Master himself was present on the occasion and said "I have myself been an art admirer. I collect art as well and appreciate art. I did not know exactly how much effort it takes.

"I thought it was about picking up a brush and just painting whatever comes to your mind. I didn't realise it requires this much planning. I spent a lot of time with each one of the 10 artists, sharing my thoughts and each one of them has been extremely creative."

The show stopper was an art piece titled 'City of Dreams' by Remen Chopra, which tried to represent Tendulkar's achievements in Mumbai in the form of the city's skyline. If each floor would count as a run, most would be over 34000 feet tall.