TV celebs gripped by FIFA fever

MUMBAI: With the World Cup right around the corner, our favourite TV actors share their favourite players and teams as well as memories associated with the game. Read on-

Rohan Gandotra - In my childhood, I used to be a big fan of football, be it playing on field or off-field on my PlayStation. But now due to lack of time, I only get to play football on my Xbox. I remember in my childhood I used to play football...like gully football and the goal was made of bricks, those were the days! And in school, I used to play in the proper playground with all 11 players in one team. I used to be the centre forward player. My favourite player is Lionel Messi. But my all-time favourite team is Germany. Every year I support them only. I am surely going to watch the matches.

What do you think of Rohan Gandotra?

Sheena Bajaj- I have always been a fan of football and have always been watching the World Cup. It is the highlight of my year. I remember how earlier on all of us friends would meet at a certain place to watch the matches. It would be a party every day! My favourite player is obviously Messi and my favourite team is Argentina. I would be watching the tournament this year as well. At least whatever I can manage with my shooting schedule.

What do you think of Sheena Bajaj?

Vivian Dsena- I am into football big time. I have been playing the sport since I was 10 years old. I am a big fan of football as well as of David Beckham. My fitness mantra is playing the game. I hate working out. I prefer football any day over gym or any other sport. To be honest, I have no affinity towards cricket, not even if I am getting paid.  I am looking forward to the World Cup!

What do you think of Vivian Dsena?

Akashdeep - I’m more of a cricket buff but I do follow World Cup. The competition between countries is intense. I would love to see teams with flair such as Brazil and Argentina show us their magic. But Ronaldo of Portugal, Neymar of Brazil and of course, Messi of Italy are my favourites. My childhood memory is that I realised that football needed me to run a lot. Hence, I quickly quit trying to be the centre-forward and decided to be the goalkeeper. Less work, less running, yet all the excitement!

Vikas Grover - FIFA is almost loved by all Indians, after cricket. I’m also very crazy for the game. I can’t forget when my Mom made me do 20 sit-ups as I got wet in rain playing football and all my clothes were full of mud. And I lied that my friends forcefully dragged me for the match. My all-time favourite football player is Lionel Messi and I always support Team Barcelona because of him. In fact, as a child, I used to buy Adidas clothes because of him and I still have a red t-shirt that has ‘Messi’ written on the back. I’m going to follow the World Cup this year too as it will bring my childhood memories back. 

Aniruddh Dave- Football has always been very close to my heart. I remember how my friends and I used to play football in school. Whether it was super cold or very hot, it never mattered to us. In fact, there were times that I even stayed back in school just to play football with my friends. My favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo and I feel Portugal is the best team. I will be following it this year as well.

Abraam Pandey- My favourite player is Neymar and my favourite team continues to be Brazil like it has been for so many years. I love football just as much as I love cricket. The World Cup has always been like a big event for my friends and me and we make it a point to never miss even a single game. We all have our favourite teams and it’s fun to see whose team wins.