The Love Story of Anjali and Sachin Tendulkar

 

Sachin Tendulkar has always been rather shy in discussing about his personal life in media. This might be the reason why many of us are unaware of his romantic love story with wife, Anjali.

From love at first sight to supporting each other through thick and thin, their relationship is interesting and inspiring. Here is Anjali and Sachin Tendulkar's love story.

Love at first sight

For Sachin and Anjali, it was love at first sight. The two of them first met at the Mumbai International Airport. Sachin was returning from his first International cricket tour in 1990 while Anjali was at the airport to receive her mother. They both took an instant liking to each other the first time they met. Later, the two met at a common friend’s place and got to know each other better.
Anjali Tendulkar- “I think what he liked about me was that I knew nothing about cricket when I first met him. I didn't even know who Sachin was.”

They start dating

When Sachin Tendulkar and Anjali first met, Anjali was practicing medicine while Sachin had just begun his cricketing career. Anjali being a dedicated student involved more in studies than cricket. Her knowledge about sports and particularly cricket was faint. Later, when they started dating, Anjali reveals that she made an effort to brush up her knowledge about the sport.


Anjali Tendulkar- “I've not known any other person in my life except Sachin. I understand him so well. So whether I am his girlfriend or his wife, it's the same thing, just an extension of that bond."

Their adventurous courtship days

Being as famous as he was from the beginning of his career, Sachin Tendulkar didn't get many uninterrupted dates with Anjali. While giving an interview to a local magazine, Anjali recalls an incident where the two of them had gone to see the movie Roja along with a few common friends. They were afraid that if people would recognise the ace cricketer, they would not be able to enjoy their day. So to avoid the attention, Sachin went to watch the movie in a disguise, wearing a false beard and specs. They entered the movie theatre a little late but during the interval of the film, his specs fell and the cricketer got surrounded by his fans. They had to leave the movie halfway.


Sachin Tendulkar- "Anjali actually taught me to be thankful for what the God has given me and for what the God has not given me.”

Their eternal bond

Anjali, daughter of the well-known industrialist Ashok Mehta married Sachin Tendulkar on May 24, 1995, after a five year long period of dating. They have been happily married for the last 19 years. Anjali Tendulkar is 6 years older than Sachin Tendulkar.  But the couple maintains that this age gap has never been a matter of concern in their relationship and instead has made them more committed and understanding towards each other.

Anjali's love for Sachin and their family

Anjali Tendulkar- “I could not be married to Sachin and also have a full-time career. It wasn't possible because he depends on me for almost everything. It was my decision. With Sachin not around and me with two kids at home, it wouldn't have been possible. I took a decision and I have never, ever regretted it."
Anjali Tendulkar left her career of being a successful pediatrician to live a happy married life with her husband. She maintains that it would have been difficult for her to maintain both at a time. The couple has two children, Sara Tendulkar and Arjun Tendulkar. She also says that she has no regrets whatsoever of leaving her profession as taking care of her husband and children gives her the greatest joy.


What's more? When Sachin Tendulkar is playing on field, everything else in the world ceases to exist for Anjali. When Sachin is playing for India, his superstar wife drops everything that she is doing and doesn't leave her spot in front of the television until the "Master Blaster" is out.
Anjali Tendulkar- "I don't eat. I don't answer phones. I don't drink. I don't even move. I don't reply to any sms until he's out."

Sachin's confessions

Sachin has always recognised the sacrifices that Anjali has made for him and his career. He has always acknowledged her as his biggest support system. And, that is why, he has always confided in her no matter how good or bad things went.
In his recently released autobiography, Playing It My Way, Sachin has confessed that it was Anjali who helped him deal with and get through the debacles that he faced as the captain of the Indian cricket team. Sachin has written, "I confided in Anjali that I feared there was nothing more that I could do to stem the tide of defeats.” He further added, "Anjali, as usual, managed to put things in perspective and assured me that things would surely get better in the months to come.”

Recommended Read: 4 Lessons Every Indian Husband Must Learn from Sachin Tendulkar
The love story of Sachin and Anjali Tendulkar is surely inspiring to a lot of young couples. They set an example of a strong and committed marriage. Being the lovable and down to earth person Sachin is, our cricket crazy nation of India wishes the couple- the best, always!

Note: Story source and quotes are taken from Anjali and Sachin's interviews published on various websites and magazines.