Like the monsoon lightning, it's flashing all over the news channels, websites and print media. A luxury book publishing group has said that it would bring out a special edition of Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar’s biography with its signature page mixed with the batsman’s blood. The signature page will be mixed with Sachin's blood - mixed into the paper pulp so it's a red resin. It is what it is - you will have Sachin's blood on the page.
The blood edition is expected to cost a whopping $75,000 (approx. Rs. 35 lakhs), which, would include unpublished family pictures and the legend's thoughts about his career. Now, there are only two takes on this newest luxury spin! Either you got to be a crazy collector who fancies collecting such rarities for posterity (and pride!). Or the other, a rabble rousing activist who would instantly write this off as a marketing gimmick.
Sachin is and will continue to be the God of Cricket in this part of the sub-continent. But in a country where cricket unifies other Gods like Ram, Allah and Jesus under one roof, it's no surprise then that the limited edition of his biography has eager beavers cashing in on him! Well, a whole chunk of fans and fanatics find this act quite philanthropic, but some voice it as ghastly and stupid. True, on both counts. The fact that the proceeds from the only 10 limited edition copies will go towards Tendulkar's charitable foundation is something to smile about and applaud him for. Agreed that it is a treasured collectible that is symbolic of his life and times. But I have not really known many celebrities to be philanthropic without a real objective in mind. No, am not going to single out this master blaster either. He's as human as you and me. Don't agree? Ok, here's another argument. Why would he not endorse products like Reynolds (which costs min Rs.5) or a Sunfeast (which costs Rs.12 approx) for free. Well, he's squandering his time and energy, so the obvious ROI. So, presumably, his blood doesn't come free either. If it's going to be inked and sold for $75,000 per copy, won't he be man enough to work out his blood(y) economics? The little master may be known for his charitable ways but why 'blood' is the bleeding question?!
The Guardian quoted publisher Kraken Media's chief executive, Mr Karl Fowler saying: "...the key thing here is that Sachin Tendulkar to millions of people is a religious icon. And we thought how, in a publishing form, can you get as close to your god as possible?" Really, how much more are we going to deify a simple human being.
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