Ranveer Singh pays tribute to MS Dhoni with pictures never seen before

Ranveer Singh, who is all set to play Kapil Dev in the upcoming biopic ''83', wrote a heartwarming message for MS Dhoni after the former Indian cricket team captain announced his retirement on Instagram on August 15, 2020. Ranveer shared some rare pictures of himself with the legendary cricketer and wrote, "This little gem of a photo is one of my prized possessions. It was taken around the year 2007/08 at ND Studio in Karjat. I was about 22 years old, working as an assistant director. I took up this particular job only because the ad film featured the one & only MS Dhoni. I was overworked and underpaid, but I didn’t care- I just wanted to be in His presence. I was even injured at the time, but I worked through the pain in the hope that as a reward for my sincere efforts, I would be granted a chance to briefly meet MSD and maybe get a photo with him. When I finally met him, I was completely awestruck. He was so humble, so down-to-earth, full of grace and exuded an unmistakable aura of kindness. My love, respect and reverence for him grew even stronger. After I did my first movie, Sapna (who was our common hairstylist at the time) called me one day and said ‘hey I know you’re a massive MSD fan, he’s shooting at Mehboob studio, come & meet him if you’d like’. Man-oh-man! I just dropped everything and rushed to the studio to meet him! He was jovial and warm and praised my performance in BBB. We hung out, I had my cap and jersey signed by him, like a true fanboy. That day, I felt like I was walking on the clouds! Since then, every time that I have the good fortune of meeting him, I am left energised and enthused, as if a big brother has blessed me with energy and motivation to go out and be the best that I can be. 🙏🏽MSD is one of the greatest sportsmen to have ever lived. I’m lucky to have witnessed his playing career in my lifetime. A paragon of excellence. An icon of the sport. My hero forever. 🌟Thank you Mahi Bhai for bringing glory to our great nation and filling a billion hearts with pride. 🇮🇳 #MSD the #GOAT."

MS Dhoni signs avid cricket fan Ranveer Singh's cap and jersey while shooting for a commercial.

Ranveer shared this lovely picture of himself with one of his favourite cricketers MS Dhoni.

Kapil Dev teaches Ranveer Singh his iconic 'Natraj Shot' as Ranveer will be seen portraying the character of Kapil Dev in the much awaited biopic '83'.

Ranveer Singh, who's set for the release of his film ''83', spent hours with Kapil Dev to learn his mannerisms perfectly for the role.

Ranveer Singh, Kapil Dev and director Kabir Khan caught in a candid moment.

Ranveer Singh and the entire star cast of '83' pose for the camera during a photoshoot.

Deepika Padukone, who is also set to make an appearance in '83', is portraying the character of Kapil Dev's wife Romi.