Actor Vaibhav Sharma, known for his role in Jersey alongside Shahid Kapoor and soon to be seen in the upcoming movie I Am No Queen, credits his journey in cricket for shaping his life and career. Reflecting on his time playing the sport, Sharma reveals that the lessons learned on the field extend far beyond the game itself.
“Everything I am today is because of the sport I played, which is cricket. It taught me a lot of things, including patience, perseverance, endurance, discipline, and most importantly, self-belief. It has made me who I am today, and I will always be thankful for it,” says Vaibhav.
The actor is deeply inspired by sports icons, particularly in cricket and football. “I can’t choose just one because I have two—one is from the sport I played, cricket: Virat Kohli; and the other is footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. I also read the thoughts of Kobe Bryant as well. People who achieve milestones in life have a mindset that influences or inspires me.”
Sharma also shared his thoughts on sports films, noting that their themes resonate with him on a personal level. “More than the spirit, it’s basically the motive or theme of the sports movie that matters—at least that’s what I believe. The purpose behind a sports movie can be to highlight the spirit of the sport or to shed light on the hero and his personal life through the game he played.”
He stresses that the principles ingrained in athletes—discipline, focus, and commitment—apply to all aspects of life. “Every sports person or athlete would agree with me that the discipline and focus required in any game or sport is the fundamental principle for achieving success, irrespective of the career or in daily life as well. 100% commitment requires dedication, discipline, and focus; otherwise, it’s just enjoyment and nothing else.”
Sharma also emphasizes the importance of staying active, regardless of age. “For me, age doesn’t matter when it comes to playing or indulging in activities that keep you going and help you maintain physical and mental balance. Whether it’s doing gym workouts or playing any sport, it just depends on one’s personal fitness choices. As long as it’s good enough for someone, I am no one to judge. But I play sports and I go to the gym, and I love it,” he shares.
He expressed concern over the declining interest in physical activities among younger generations, attributing it to advancements in technology. “It saddens me to say this, but with the rapid improvement in technology and electronic gadgets, most children aren’t even interested in playing outdoor games or participating in any sports or physical activities, which is an alarming concern. I think we, as humans, are designed to work, move, and engage in physical activities for a healthy life. So if a kid or anyone wants to bring about a change, they must understand that there’s no substitute for fitness. I would say, go out there, play any game you love, or build your love for it, but just move your body and make the best of it.”
Vaibhav Sharma’s passion for sports continues to drive him in both his personal life and professional career, embodying the lessons he learned from cricket in all his endeavors.
