This two-decade-old picture shared with Emraan Hashmi (below) shows Mohammed Azharuddin in the company of his fellow teammates Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly
Sonali Joshi Pitale (MID-DAY; March 9, 2016)

As part of his prep for the 'Azhar' biopic, Emraan Hashmi shadowed ex Indian cricket skipper Mohammed Azharuddin for months to perfect his demeanour both off and on the field. During one of their several meetings, the actor requested access to the cricket idol's personal photo albums. And to Emraan's delight, he agreed to share his snaps over the years, including some treasured ones with fellow teammates

A source says, "To understand Azhar's personality and his private life, Emraan wanted to see his pictures and memorabilia. The cricketer shared personal pictures from his teenage days and times spent with his grandfather and parents, to the ones in Team India's dressing room and on the field."

Azhar recently visited the film's sets during the London schedule to supervise Emraan's game during a few crucial scenes.

Emraan says, "It was kind of Azhar to open his home and heart to us, literally, while making this film. He instilled his trust in the team and shared memories with us that are unknown to the world and pictures that are unseen, yet reveal so much about his life."