'Anek Indians se ek Indian banne ka' - Kamal Haasan's stirring message ahead of India-Pakistan clash

The anticipation is palpable ahead of any high-stakes cricketing encounter between arch-rivals, India and Pakistan. The prelude to such matches is marked by a plethora of pundit analyses, special podcasts featuring deliberations by former cricketers, and interviews with past players from both nations reflecting on the storied rivalry. Additionally, the incessant 'mauka-mauka' advertisements begin airing weeks before the marquee clash, adding to the fervor. 

However, the true essence of such an encounter lies in its unparalleled ability to unify an entire nation. This unifying power transcends social strata, professions, and diverse walks of life. A quintessential illustration of this phenomenon is the throngs of people congregating outside a modest corner shop with a small television set, eager to catch a glimpse of a few overs before resuming their daily routines. 

Amidst the frenzy, Indian actor and film director Kamal Haasan has beautifully captured the sentiment in a poignant monologue released by Star Sports on the eve of the highly-anticipated fixture.

Elegantly framed by a stark white spotlight against a pitch-black backdrop, the charismatic figure folded his hands in greeting before commencing his address to the viewers.

"Namaste India, yeh time hai sirf khudki aawaaz nahi, desh ki aawaaz banne ka (greetings my fellow Indians, this is the opportune moment of not only being the voice for our own selfs, but to be the backbone of India). Yeh time hai gaav, shahar, aur pradesh ko chhodkar, desh banne ka (this is the perfect epoch of uniting villages, towns, and states together and form a single unit as a nation).Yeh time hai anek Indians se ek Indian banne ka (this time is about becoming one Indian from many Indians). 7:52 pm(referring to the time when the national anthem begins for all of India's 8 pm matches according to the Indian timezone), India ke har match mein India ke saath khada rahega yeh Indian (this Indian will have the back of Team India in each of their matches)," echoed Haasan, in as zealous a tone and demeanour he could.