For once, he flashes a beaming smile at every turn, he is surrounded by admiration reminiscent of family bonds, and to top it all, a tempting plate of 'chhole bhature' - all factors that have made West Indies cricket legend Brian Lara fall deeply in love with India, and astonishingly, Bollywood has no role to play in it.
At 55 years old, while currently engaged in commentary duties for Star Sports during the ongoing IPL, Lara spared some time to visit the PTI headquarters for a casual interaction with its editors, where he openly expressed his fondness for the country where cricket is a fervent obsession.
"Not much of a Bollywood enthusiast myself. Hailing from a country with a predominantly Indian population, there's a significant Bollywood interest there. Neither am I keen on English movies. So, regrettably, the likes of Harry Potter have eluded me," he quipped, flashing a wide grin, exuding his charismatic charm.
"But what truly captivates me about India is the unconditional love," he swiftly added.
Arguably one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history and a globally recognized figure, Lara attributes his enduring love for India to the warmth of the reception he receives here.
"When you're in India, the way you're treated, and at every turn, encountering a smile from someone just at the sight of you, that's truly refreshing and undeniably positive," he expressed.
"The experience of being in India, being cherished in a foreign land, it's quite profound. Unlike walking in Miami on South Beach where everyone's nudging you aside, here in India, it's an entirely different scenario, with everyone nudging into you," he articulated, endeavoring to articulate what sets India apart for him.
"So, from someone who initially played the game for the adulation from my father and siblings to receiving adulation in India is something I cherish, coupled with the serenity of the people," he added.
But Lara does concede that not everything in India has been hunky-dory for him. He openly admits his coaching tenure with Sunrisers Hyderabad ended on a sour note, but he still wishes them success in the playoffs this year.
Apart from that, Lara talks about how he loves 'chhole bhature', a North Indian street food, because it tastes just like a Trinidadian dish called Doubles. He also says Indian players love Trinidad's Doubles when they visit.
Turning to the subject of commentary, Lara is candid on just how tough it gets to make something unexciting sound exciting. Yet, he savors the moments like the time he commentated on the spectacular seven-wicket haul by Shamar Joseph in Australia.
Coaching young players, however remains Lara's first love as he loves the feeling of watching them grow and blossom but also likes to keep his opinions under wraps.
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