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Actor Arjun Bijlani, who recently wrapped up Laughter Chefs and will next be seen in Netflix’s Chumbak, says football was never a sport he actively followed growing up. A cricket enthusiast during his school days, the actor admits his love for football developed only after his son Ayaan took up the game.
Reflecting on how the sport became a part of his life, Arjun says,
“Football became a big part of my life after my son Ayaan was born. He plays regularly and even attends football coaching, so now it’s something we enjoy together. It’s become our father-son bonding time. We watch the matches together and enjoy supporting our teams.”
The father-son duo may enjoy the same sport, but they stand on opposite sides when it comes to their favourite football icons.
“I’m a Lionel Messi fan, while Ayaan is a hardcore Cristiano Ronaldo fan, so there’s always fun banter at home. He is really passionate about football,” he shares with a smile.
Talking about the FIFA World Cup, Arjun says the tournament has kept him hooked, especially with the surprises it has thrown up.
“I’ve been following the World Cup closely. The knockout stage is where the real excitement begins. Argentina, Brazil, Spain and France are among the strongest contenders, but we’ve already seen some surprising results. That’s what makes football so exciting because you can never really predict what’s going to happen,” he says.
Despite the unpredictable nature of the tournament, his loyalty has never wavered.
“Being a Messi fan, it’s an easy choice—I support Argentina,” he says.
Like many passionate football fans, Arjun has a match-day ritual that he rarely skips.
“I wouldn’t call it a superstition, but whenever Argentina plays a big match, I make sure to wear my Messi jersey. I’m also quite an expressive viewer. I celebrate every goal and often find myself shouting instructions at the TV as if the players can actually hear me,” he laughs.
Following late-night matches while balancing work schedules isn’t always easy, but the actor doesn’t mind sacrificing a few hours of sleep.
“With the matches stretching late into the night, sleep definitely takes a back seat during the World Cup. If it’s a big match, I’m watching it. A strong coffee the next morning gets me through the day,” he says.
For Arjun, football today is much more than just a global sporting event. It has become a cherished tradition that gives him quality time with his son, creating memories that go far beyond the final whistle.
