Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth Combine Forces, Lead Cheer for Chennaiyin F.C.
Between the two, Amitabh Bachchan and Rajnikanth command a billion fans. On the football field though, the mega stars were content being ordinary - and often noisy - supporters themselves.
For a change, it was difficult for local fans in Chennai to keep their eyes on the exciting Indian Super League football match. Not that their heroes were not creating magic on the field. Having Amitabh Bachchan and Rajinikanth together in the stands though was a scrumptious treat most found hard to miss. Legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar - seated with the movie stars - completed a 'picture-perfect troika of star power.' (How Chennaiyin F.C. beat Kerala Blasters 2-1)
The senior Bachchan - whose son Abhiskek co-owns the Chennai franchise - was at the forefront, cheering as the local team faced off against Kerala Blasters in a south Indian derby. While the action on the field was electric, the loud cheer from Big B - wearing a yellow sweatshirt and waving a Chennayin flag - was thunderous. "This tournament is a great boost for Indian football, a very good initiative indeed. Like Brazil is known for their football, I hope India too can one day be known for the sport," he said. (In pics: When Rajinikanth, Amitabh came together for football)
T 1651 - GO CHENNAI GO CHENNAI .. GO GO GO ..!!!
- Amitabh Bachchan (@SrBachchan) October 21, 2014
Rajinikanth - sitting next to Bachchan - was as excited. The Tamil superstar - widely regarded as a demi god - was wearing a simple white shirt and grey trousers.
The two celebrities - equally talented in front of the camera - have 360 films between them. That Bachchan - who has 10.1 million followers on Twitter - and Rajinikanth - 965000 followers - chose to register their presence in an ISL match will greatly help in developing the sport in the country.
Football has already received a huge boost courtesy stars like Ranbir Kapoor, Abhishek, cricketers Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and Mahendra Singh Dhoni co-owning the franchises in ISL. The first 10 days of the inaugural edition have seen packed houses in stadia across the country. With Bachchan and Rajnikanth showing their love for football is as intense as millions of other Indians, the future indeed appears bright.