Unbelievably true. I saw Brett 5 times.
Hi! My name is Sakshi and I am from Mumbai (India). Like all you girls reading this I am also a huge Brett Lee fan. A HUGE one. Believe me. Every night I used to dream and wonder how would I meet him? When would I see him? What will I tell him? Where would it be ? Friday 22nd October, 2004: It was Dussera.(An Indian religious festive and holy day.) I was reading the newspaper, where I saw an advertisement with a picture of Brett saying if you want to meet this wizard of Oz then come to Café Coffee Day (A local Coffee house) and Red Light (a pub) between 9.30pm and 12.30. Such opportunities have come my way many time when I’ve know where Brett Lee is, but have never ever had the guts to go and meet him. But that day, I don’t know what made me feel that I will meet him and this is my chance. So I convinced my Dad to let me take his car to the other side of town to see Brett Lee, and he allowed me. I also took my best friend Griva along with me.
So there I was on my way to meet Brett Lee. But when I reached there at 9pm I saw quite a big crowd already waiting to see him. Small boys and girls waiting to get their cricket balls and bats autographed by him. Young girls with cameras and photos and what not!
As I waited impatiently for Brett along with my best friend Griva, the crowd grew bigger and bigger.No place to sit, no place to stand. I didn't know what to do? I was thinking how I am gonna manage to…forget meeting him or talking to him…but to even see him? It was 10.30 when a big white car halts right in front of us,and I hear someone scream, “IT’S BRETT LEE!!!” and he gets off the car and believe me, as soon as I saw him I fell down. Thank God Griva was there, who helped me to get back onto my feet. I actually saw him. He was just inches away from me. I patted him on his back too, but he obviously did’nt realize.Then he went in and I was left outside. There was such a mad rush. The only way I could see him was by climbing onto the coffee table and looking through the glass window, and WOW! It was an amazing feeling to watch my idol right in front of me whom I have been literally worshipping since a long time now. Then he waved, signed some autographs and left.
As happy I was to finally see Brett Lee, I was sad that I dint get to talk to him or even get his autograph. So I thought why not follow him to the next place he goes and that was Red Light the pub. So me and my friend went to Red Light, where he had already reached and there was very less crowd here as it was a week day and children below 17 were’nt allowed. Even though Griva and I are 17 we look more than just that.So we easily got in and there he was. Bar tending. I was so happy. I though this is my chance. So I gathered all my courage and went upto him and asked him for his autograph, and he took my book and signed Brett Lee on it. It was my personal Diary as it is very close to my heart and there is not a page in that book where I have’nt mentioned his name. So he signed it and handed it back to me. I told him “Thank you, it’s like a dream come true.” I don’t think he heard any of that as the music was very loud but he did smile. Then I told him “Can I please shake hands with you?” and I put my hand forward and so did he, with a warm smile on his face. I could’nt believe what was going on. Then other girls came up for pictures and stuff. As he bent down to sign for someone, I felt his hair and believe me….its like cotton.
As he was on a promotional tour for Fosters, he was giving some keychains with Glenn McGrath, Michael Kasprowicz, Jason Gillespie and his autograph on it. I stretched my hand out and he dropped one onto my palm.I was sooooo happy. Then we could all ask him a question. I was shocked at the fact that luck was giving my side, I got the chance to ask him a question. So I asked him “Would you mind marrying an Indian girl?” to which he answered “Well, if I think it’s the right thing to do, then yes may be.” And the whole place went wooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Well, then he left and my day couldn’t have been any better.
1st November,2004: I hadn’t yet been able to consume the fact of meeting Brett Lee when another chance came my way to see him. He was coming to a mall (thankfully close to my place) to launch New Balance Shoes. So there I was again with a bunch of friends to see him. And I was as happy and excited to see him for the 2nd time as I was the first time. He waved out signed a some autographs and left. This time no one could talk to him or meet him in person or anything. Just getting the chance to see him for the 2nd time was truly unbelievable.
3rd November,2004: Australia Vs India. Mumbai Test match. Ever since I heard that Brett was fit to play in India against India, I was after my Mum to arrange passes for me to see the match. After all it would be the first time Brett would be playing in India. As my Aunt is member of the Garware Club which is a part of the Wankhade Stadium, she got me the best seats. Right below the Commentary Box and right above the Indian and Australian Camp. They were the perfect seats. I din’t need binocs or anything. Brett was right there with water bottles and towels and waved and smiled to everyone. I could see him all the time. It was amazing. The 2nd day as well as the 3rd day.
Unfortunately the match lasted for only 3 days. 5 day match would mean me getting to see Brett 7 times I also met Dean Jones, Michael Slater, Harsha Bhogle, Barry Richards, Sanjay Manjrekar.
India won. Was a great thing. After all, they beat the best in the world. But what made it even more special for me was that Brett was there and I got to see him for the fisrt time in my life play(he was only fielding at intervals…but still).
Well after seeing Brett Lee so closely, shaking hands, patting him on his back, even feeling his hair…my heart still tells me that I’ll meet him again. I’m sure I will. I still have to tell him what I’ve always wanted to. I appologise if anyone finds this article too long. But hey! It was 5 times after all
One last thing, not that I know Brett Lee personally. I know him only as much as you all do.But I really think I have never seen anyone like him, and I am pretty sure I never will.
Anyway even if I get to see Brett Lee a hundred times or never at all, I will always cherish these memories…
This story is used with permission from Sakshi. Please do not take anything here without the prior consent of the webmistress.