Hollywood

Urmila Matondkar was the chosen one — she was approached to be there to greet the T20 World Champions, who were given the most rousing welcome ever seen in Mumbai post independence.

The bus ride that took Dhoni and his triumphant devils from the international airport to Wankhede stadium would have culminated with Urmila greeting them with garlands and tikkas, but she had to forego the opportunity because of a prior commitment.

A regretful Urmila says, “Yes, they were really keen on having me there to greet the team. But I had a prior commitment in RK studios, Chembur, and it would have been impossible for me to travel from Churchgate to Chembur.”

But Urmila especially rues a lost encounter with the captain of the team, Mahendra Singh Dhoni. She says, “Their game was truly exciting and this victory will remain close to every Indian’s heart for a long time to come, considering that they are all young, fairly inexperienced players who have taken on the stalwarts of the world and come back with the Cup. It is a proud day for all of us.”

Talking about Dhoni she says, “Dhoni is the most dynamic player I have seen. He is an extremely talented player and its exciting to see someone with so much will power, focus and charisma. He is so chilled out and to imagine he comes from a small place in India but has enough confidence to rise above being a regular player is truly sexy.”