Exclusive Interview with Arjun Rampal

15th May 2008

We caught up with Arjun Rampal, one of Bollywood's well-known actors and an ardent fan of the Kolkata Knight Riders during his team's match against Bangalore Royal Challengers at the Eden Gardens.

Arjun, how has the tournament been so far?

Well, it has been good so far. We (Kolkata Knight Riders) have had our ups. We started really well but then I think we really slumped in the middle and then we pulled it up again. It was a really tough match today for both the Bangalore team and for us and there was really nothing between us but I am glad we came through it. The crowds here were amazing and I am glad I came here, cheered them and we won.

Why the Knight Riders? Is it because of Shah Rukh Khan or are they your personal favourites?

Well, yeah of course, because of Shah Rukh - as he is a friend. But I also liked the team he had selected. I did not know Ponting and the other guys were going to go back; McCullum and some others are not there but I think now the team is coming together and Sourav today bowled really well. He took the charge and bowled a wonderful spell of three overs. It was a tense match but it is okay now that we pulled through and now I am with the Knight Riders. I like the Mohali team as well.

What do you think of the concept of Bollywood and cricket coming together? Especially with Bollywood stars like Preity Zinta and Shah Rukh Khan owning franchises and being brand ambassadors, do you think it is jam-packed entertainment?

Well, I think it definitely helps to get more awareness towards the sport and I think the IPL is a great platform for youngsters to be found and discovered, we have already seen that and it has been proved. So I think yes, it does (make it more entertaining). I think there is cricket and there is our industry and I think when they come together it is massive.

What do you think of the T20 format? Is it exciting?

I think it is great. I really like it because my wife comes and sees cricket. She never used to watch cricket but now she really likes it. I know a lot of people who have gotten into cricket and that's great.