Love is blind, the dictum goes. And yes, it’s absolutely correct—but only if we interpret love in a broader sense. To be frank, as a down-to-earth person, the so-called romantic love holds no relevance for me as of now.

Here, I use the term ‘love’ in a wider context, encompassing my admiration for people, places, objects, and experiences that I truly connect with.

My Undying Love for Cricket and Sachin Tendulkar

Cricket has always been my favorite sport—not just to watch but also to analyze and write about. And if there’s one name that defines cricket for me, it’s Sachin Tendulkar. Unfortunately, I belong to that category of Sachin fanatics who relished every shot he played but switched off the TV the moment he got out.

Though I have never been to a stadium, I have vivid memories of watching his elegant strokes on television, moments etched deep in my mind. What still irks me is how some so-called critics question whether Sachin was a true match-winner.

From my preliminary research, the stats tell a different story. In matches where India won, Sachin’s batting average ranged between 55-60 runs per innings. Out of his 100 international centuries, India emerged victorious in about 60% of those games. And how can we forget the nail-biting finishes where he almost carried India to victory?

Take, for instance, the Ind vs Aus match in Hyderabad (2009), where Sachin single-handedly brought India close to victory with a stellar 175, only for the team to lose by a heartbreaking 3 runs. Or the Ind vs Pak match in Chennai (1999), where despite his valiant knock, India fell short by just 10-15 odd runs.

If you call me a Sachin addict, I won’t mind—I proudly am. I stick to my favorites, no matter what the rest of the world says.

My Selective Taste in Films

Movies have always been a major source of entertainment worldwide. I, too, love watching them, but I refuse to watch a movie just for the sake of it. I prefer well-scripted, creative, and thought-provoking films.

I mainly watch Indian films, with only an occasional Hollywood movie thrown in. Be it Bollywood or South Indian cinema, language barriers are no longer an issue, thanks to subtitles and professional dubbing. Though, admittedly, dubbed films don’t always retain the original essence, well-done dubbing can be a game-changer—one reason why South Indian films are now widely appreciated across India.

Bollywood officially got its industry status in 2000, and it remains one of India’s highest tax-paying sectors. Of course, not all movies are great; many are mundane and lackluster. But some are absolute gems that command attention.

My Favorite Actress: Amrita Rao – The Timeless Beauty

If someone asks me who my favorite actress is, my answer is clear: Amrita Rao. She’s been my favorite since 2004, ever since the release of Main Hoon Na.

Whether her films become blockbusters or not doesn’t concern me. She entered Bollywood through modeling, delivered superhits, and even faced a few flops along the way. But every time she appears on screen, she ensures her acting remains flawless. She’s forever beautiful, effortlessly elegant, and naturally simple.

In my opinion, she is one of the most beautiful actresses—not just in Bollywood but in Hollywood too. Petite and vegan, she exudes a rare charm that remains unmatched.

My Favorite Actor: The Ever-Resilient Arjun Rampal

As for my favorite male actor, it’s a tough choice. But if I had to pick one, it would be Arjun Rampal.

A supermodel-turned-actor, Arjun entered Bollywood with no godfather backing him. He struggled, faced multiple setbacks, and was even written off by many. But with Rock On, he proved everyone wrong. Even if he doesn’t always bag lead roles, he has carved a niche for himself as a dependable supporting actor in an industry overflowing with talent.

My Clear-Cut Choices in Music

Music is an integral part of life, and my choices are crystal clear. My all-time favorite singers include KK, Mohit Chauhan, Tulsi Kumar, and Shreya Ghoshal.

I have immense respect for lyricists, knowing how hard it is to craft even a single meaningful lyric. That’s why originality in songwriting matters to me. There’s no joy in copying words from others.

Today, we need to recognize lyricists and singers as the true stars of music, rather than just the actors performing in songs. For far too long, lyricists and playback singers have remained the unsung heroes of the film industry.

My Love-Hate Relationship with Politics

When it comes to politics, my feelings are ambivalent—not indifferent, just conflicted.

Despite holding a Master’s degree in Political Science, I find myself disillusioned by the sheer amount of political bickering and mudslinging, especially during those vicious prime-time TV debates. They have sickened me to the core.

It’s disheartening to see politicians pretend to be what they are not. Worse, their allegiance shifts overnight—they say one thing when they are on the Treasury benches, and the next, they say totally different things when they are in the Opposition. Politics has become opportunistic these days.

Frankly, I don’t find a single politician worth adoring anymore.

In Conclusion

At the end of the day, I remain true to my choices—whether it’s cricket, movies, music, or politics. My preferences are deeply personal, and I see no reason to change them just because of popular opinion. Whether it’s Sachin Tendulkar, Amrita Rao, Arjun Rampal, or KK, my admiration remains unchanged.

And that’s what selectivity is all about—sticking to what truly resonates with you, regardless of trends or external influences.