More Power to you Javagal Srinath - a thread
It was the turn of the century and I had been newly recruited into Ogilvy Bangalore as an Account Executive, cutting my teeth on Unilever mass market teas - particularly a vitaminised tea, called A1 Power.

A first at the time, we decided to use a sportsperson as endorser for the Karnataka based tea brand. And the choice was Javagal Srinath. Being a fledgling brand, we had funds only for a still shoot, but that didn’t dampen my spirit - this was my first shoot with a ‘celebrity’!

Shoot day arrived and we all reached Chinnaswamy Stadium, where we had to shoot a set of still pictures of the man in full bowling action. Srinath was already there, waiting for us and chatting with the ground staff like a friend. Very un-celebrity like.

We introduced ourselves and for the next 15 minutes, he was our all access pass to the stadium. India’s spearhead bowler taking us on a guided tour of the locker rooms, the member’s stand, talking to us about each photo on the walls - this was privilege!

My creative partners, Clement, Meera and Gopi did all the talking, while I kept a nervous distance. Taking copious notes (??) and trying to ensure all stuff was in place. Anyways, the shoot began. And I was there at centre pitch, marvelling at this lanky guy let rip the ball!

This was before social media, but I couldn’t wait to claim my bragging rights the next day. This was perfect. Just then, Srinath stopped midway through his action and said that he’s not ‘feeling’ it.

I understood not feeling well, pissed off, equipment missing and all those solvable issues a rookie AE could think of, but this? Feel? On my first celeb shoot? This was an out of syllabus question.

Luckily Srinath himself provided the answer. What if I have someone batting at the other end? Everyone looked around and nodded. I nodded too. Until I realised they were nodding at me. I was to bat! On centre pitch. To an Indian bowler. Known to let rip at 150 kmph.

What followed was a blur. Before I came to my senses, I found myself padded with all possible protective gear and walking to the pitch. A bit of bravado started to take shape and I was like, what if I hit him for a couple of boundaries. Imagine my bragging rights then!

First ball. Outside the off stump. I think. Because by the time I lifted my bat, the ball was crossing the ropes at the third man boundary. Watch the hand, the experts say. Well I’ve got news for them. When the ball is released at 140+, that’s all you’re left watching. The hand!

I could hear Clemy (the most gentle person you would ever meet) go wild with excitement - that’s it Srinath. Give it full energy!
I swear I wanted to walk across and use the bat on Clemy then. But a combination of fear, paralysis and pride made me stay put.

Three more similar balls later, I nicked one. And it zipped to the boundary. Srinath came across and said nice shot, when he knew it wasn’t. But it did wonders to my confidence.

I eased significantly and over the next 26 balls, I middled 2, nicked 3 and missed another 21. But all of the credit for that confidence goes to Srinath, who kept checking on and encouraging me after every ball.

Shoot done, Srinath and I walked back together. As equals. Well played he said and naively chuffed I replied - you too. As he said his goodbyes to us, Srinath then moved to talk to the ground staff before eventually leaving.

I marvelled at my good fortune and at my supposed skill, as I took off my gear. Pads, gloves, helmet, elbow guard, thigh pad, chest guard, abdomen guard....abdomen guard? I had forgotten to wear my abdomen guard!!!!

As realisation dawned, I sank into the ground. Still thankful of my good fortune. Of a different kind. But I also realised this wasn’t about fortune at all.

It was the result of the pin point accuracy of that gentle giant. 27 balls were bowled exactly half foot away from my body. In exactly the same place. At pretty much the same pace. I had experienced the skill of a legend at close quarters.

Happy birthday dear Javagal Srinath. Thank you for making a young man feel great about himself 20 years ago. And thank you for not busting my balls. #truestory #javagalsrinath End

@iamjavagal