Sachin Tendulkar may be a world-renowned figure in the cricketing circle but for a few foreign journalists and photographers, who are covering the inaugural Indian Grand Prix, the iconic batsman still remains an unknown figure.
A self-confessed F1 fan, Tendulkar was one of the first of the celebrities to arrive at the Buddh International Circuit here Sunday afternoon along with his wife Anjali and daughter Sara.
The star Indian cricketer was received at the circuit by promoters of the race, Jaypee Sports International managing director Sameer Gaur.
Soon after Tendulkar was spotted at the circuit, the Indian media went berserk and photographers were seen scampering here and there to get a snap of the cricketer.
But for some foreign scribes, it was a surprise to see the extra attention been given to Tendulkar, who plays a sport which obviously is not as popular worldwide as soccer or F1.
"Whos is he? Why everyone is running after him? Is he a very rich man?" asked a bemused Spanish journalist to an Indian reporter.
"He is Sachin Tendulkar, the God of Indian cricket," replied the Indian scribe.
{{/usCountry}}"He is Sachin Tendulkar, the God of Indian cricket," replied the Indian scribe.
{{/usCountry}}After arriving at the circuit, Tendulkar first met F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone at the lounge. The duo was later joined by legendary racing driver Jackie Stewart and Bollywood actor Gulshan Grover.
The cricketing icon then headed straight to the Mercedes team building where he exchanged pleasantries with Mercedes team principal Ross brawn before meeting his long-time friend Schumacher.
Tendulkar also introduced his wife and daughter with the German driver and met the other Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg before heading straight to the VIP area.