News Desk, Kolkata : In the heart of Bengal, football is not just a sport; it’s a passion, a way of life. The love for football transcends professions, and even if someone doesn’t actively play or belong to the footballing world, the spirit of the game flows in their veins. Much like the cinematic portrayal of this sentiment in the movie “Gunday,” the two iconic figures of Bengal, Sourav Ganguly and Mithun Chakraborty, are no strangers to the enchantment of football.
Sourav Ganguly, renowned as one of India’s greatest cricket captains, had a deep-rooted affinity for football during his college days. Regularly attending East Bengal and Mohun Bagan matches, he immersed himself in the electrifying atmosphere of Kolkata’s football culture. Later in his career, Ganguly extended his association with football by venturing into football administration. He became part of the Indian Super League with Kolkata franchise involvement, showcasing his commitment to the sport beyond the cricket field. Despite his foray into cricket administration and occasional controversies, Sourav’s love for football remained an integral part of his identity.
Bengal’s other beloved “dada” in the realm of football is Mithun Chakraborty, a legendary figure in the Bengali film industry. Beyond the silver screen, Mithun has actively participated in various charity football matches, aligning his passion for the game with philanthropy. In a memorable match that brought together cricket and Bollywood in Kolkata, Mithun Chakraborty faced off against Sourav Ganguly. The match was organized to raise funds for the charitable organization ‘Amra,’ adding a unique chapter to the history of celebrity football clashes.
While Sourav Ganguly’s cricketing prowess took him to the helm of Indian cricket, his involvement in football administration and leadership roles continued. He became the president of the Bengal Cricket Association and later served as the president of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Despite facing internal conflicts within cricket administration, Sourav Ganguly’s journey exemplifies his diverse contributions to sports governance.
On the other side of the spectrum, Mithun Chakraborty’s popularity in the cinematic world made him a face of charity football matches. His team featured Bollywood stars like Govinda and Akshay Kumar, creating a blend of cricket and film personalities on the football field. The matches not only entertained but also raised substantial funds for charitable causes. Mithun’s commitment to charity extended beyond football, as he actively participated in events to support disaster-stricken regions.
In the realm of Indian football, Siliguri witnessed a memorable match between former captain Baichung Bhutia and Mithun Chakraborty, showcasing the actor’s enduring love for the sport. During the oil crisis, both Mithun Chakraborty and Sourav Ganguly participated in a charity match that raised approximately 30 lakh rupees. The proceeds were directed to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, highlighting their commitment to social causes through football.
As Mithun Chakraborty continued to contribute to Bengal’s football scene, he also played a role in nurturing new talent for the sport. His involvement in uplifting Bengali football and supporting budding players showcased his dedication beyond the glamour of the film industry.
In essence, the narrative of Bengal is woven with the threads of football, with two iconic “dadas” leaving an indelible mark on the sport. The soulful melody of Manna Dey’s song “Sob Khela Serar Bangalir Tumi Football” from the past still resonates today, echoing the sentiment that football is an integral part of a Bengali’s identity. As the football season unfolds, the icons of Bengal, the two “dadas,” remain synonymous with the spirit of the game, proving that the love for football in Bengal is timeless and boundless.
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