Forum 32-Arjun - IPL--Baap of entertainment

Cricket is our national religion. And no, that is no offense to any religion. When it comes to cricket, the only thing that matters is the game. We have seen people throng outside a TV store watching the match. We have TV commercials to the effect where neighbours get together to watch the game. That is the power of unification through Cricket.

Cricket has seen another change. The change of not siding with just our country in the game but side with the game. Cricket has turned a medium of entertainment rather than just watching the Home Team fail or win across the globe, we have players across the globe play on our soil. The game has become larger than just being the sport that is like a religion to our national. Indian Premier League (IPL) has changed the stakes. We don't root for Team India alone, we don't root for Sachin Tendulkar, M S Dhoni but we root for the game that has interesting twists and turns. Be it Chris Gayle who made the fastest 100 in 23rd April's IPL match and leading the score board as the highest scorer so far in this season of IPL or S P Narine who is the highest wicket taker. It is not about divided loyalties but enjoying the game to the fullest. Pure entertainment.

Most regular TV programmes see a downward turn in their TRP (Television Rating Point) during the IPL. Naturally, with Cricket a game that rules the country's passion, that is only to be expected. Men, who usually stick to watching news or channels which are informative like Discovery or National Geographic, turn on their sets or even use their mobile devices for the two months that airs IPL.

Arjun – Har Yug Mein Aayega Ek is the equivalent in bringing to you the super cop Arjun Suryakant Rawte, the baap of all cops on Television. A television show dedicated to crime investigation brings you action and thrill that leave you with a message. Shaleen Malhotra who plays Arjun Suryakant Rawte in the show, is as afflicted with the game of IPL as any other Indian, especially male.

Shaleen Malhotra got to be part of IPL for two matches. One at Chennai, against Pune Warriors India and Chennai Super Kings on 15th April 2013 and one in Bangalore was Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Pune Warriors on 23rd April 2013. He was chosen by Star Plus to present the award to the players who were awarded the Nayee Soch Award. In the 15th April match, Steve Smith won Nayee Soch Award and in the 23rd April match, Chris Gayle won it.

We asked Shaleen Malhotra how did it feel to be in the presentation area of the ground and watch the match as a VIP and in few words he said that he was ecstatic. To give the award to players such as these was a high point however, sharing the space on the ground was even bigger reward for which he is thankful to Star Plus and Arjun – Har Yug Mein Aayega Ek which made this possible. Interestingly, he has been a cricket player himself and had played at National level for his school and represented Delhi. He is essentially a sports person with rock climbing and cricket that have been part of him growing up. All that has paid off as he does extensive actions in the show which he finds is a dream come true.

So be entertained with IPL Season 6 on Sony Max and Arjun – Har Yug Mein Aayega Ek on Star Plus at 8pm every weekend.

Pictures of IPL Courtesy Facebook Fan page Arjun – 4 Lions Filims