Sanjay Manjrekar starts new innings as singer, says Ramiz Raja inspired him

Kolkata, Sep 29: He has played against Wasim Akram successfully. He was also called one of the most dependable batsmen against the West Indian fast bowlers also. Even, he looks comfortable while doing commentary along with the top commentators like Sunil Gavaskar and Michael Holding also. But, Sanjay Manjrekar singing songs of Rabindranath Tagore?

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Manjrekar smiled a bit saying, "This is the first time I have started this innings." The former Indian cricketer is going to launch his first new audio album before the forthcoming festival, Durga Puja.

And before he gets engaged in doing commentary for the India-New Zealand second Test, starting here at the Eden Gardens from Friday (September 30), Manjrekar was busy in recording studio of noted female singer Usha Uthup on Wednesday evening (September 28). And he looked also busy in practicing Tagore songs under the careful observations of a renowned singer.

While speaking on the subject, Manjrekar said, "I used to sing songs regularly during my playing days whenever I used to get time in between the matches. My colleagues in the dressing room also used to like my songs. So, singing has been my habit for long time."

One of the happiest day of my life. A dream fulfilled. To sing Rabindrasangeet in bengali. Put in the hours ( years) before recording it. https://t.co/IDLw7Jl37u

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 29, 2016

The former Mumbai cricketer, being one of the ardent fans of Kishore Kumar, loved to sing Kishore's songs often in the dressing room whenever Indian team travelled abroad.

And Manjrekar, when reminded of his playing days, gave credit to former Pakistani batsman Ramiz Raja.

Manjrekar added, "When I joined commentary team later after having retired from cricket, Ramiz was my mate in most of the matches. And he was the man to have inspired me to take singing seriously. He also can sing well. Then I thought seriously about it."

Usha Uthup also had praise for Manjrekar on the issue. She said, "He has a knack for singing and he is also talented. So, I have belief that he will also prosper if he becomes a professional singer in future."

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