Rachana Dubey (BOMBAY TIMES; February 10, 2020)

A few weeks ago, Ajay Devgn wrapped up the Kolkata schedule of his upcoming sports drama, Maidaan, helmed by National Award-winner, Amit Ravindranath Sharma. The actor-producer plays Syed Abdul Rahim, one of the most successful coaches of the Indian national football team in the 1960s, in the film.

So, it was a special moment for the cast and crew when P K Banerjee, a former football player who once played in the team that was coached by Syed Abdul Rahim, dropped in to visit Ajay and the director on the set. Banerjee became the national coach in 1972, and continued till 1986, after which he played a crucial role in improving the technical aspects of the game.

Talking about his visit, Amit told BT, “Banerjee sir arrived on a wheelchair. He’s old and frail now, but he has that undying spirit. He had a long chat with Ajay and he also became emotional because Ajay plays his coach Syed saab. Before heading home, he gave us a copy of his book, which is a homage to the glorious football players of the bygone generation and his coach. It’s an honour that he spent time with us, giving us so many insights into Syed saab and his equation with the team.”