Brett Lee begins second innings with Indo-Aussie rom-com

After being part of a Bollywood film and music video, former Australia cricketer Brett Lee is all set to become a full-time actor in an Indo-Australian romantic comedy, aptly titled 'UnIndian'.

The 37-year-old pacer, who announced his retirement from international cricket in 2012, says he was being approached to do films for the past ten years but did not feel it was the right time until now.

"For the past ten years I have been asked to do a film. But it wasn't the right time, wasn't the right script or wasn't the right movie, So I didn't do it. I was so fixed on my cricket. And I guess now that I am going through this transitional phase I thought why not give it a try. This was such a great opportunity," Lee told PTI in an interview here.

The cricketer, who juggles between cricket commentary, business and charity, says he took up the film because he did not want to regret not doing it later in life.

"In life, I have always wanted to do other things rather than just cricket. I don't want to get to the age of 50 and feel I wish I had done a movie. I have always given my 100 per cent in whatever I have done and will do that with the film as well," he said.

'UnIndian' will be directed by Anupam Sharma, an Indian origin-director, actor, producer and author from Australia.

The film was announced yesterday by Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott in Mumbai and will be produced by the recently established the Australia India Film Fund (AIFF).
In the film, Lee, who has a huge female fan following in India, will be seen romancing actress Tannishtha Chatterjee. The sportsman says he is comfortable doing a romantic film as it suits his real life personality.

"A romantic comedy is a good genre. It suits my character. May be, I can do an action film later. Just like me, my character is also in love with all things India. I am looking forward to begin shooting for the film shortly," he said.