10 महीने जेल में रहे नवजोत सिंह सिद्धू: स्कूल में छुट्टी शब्द तक नहीं बोल पाते थे, बने रियलिटी शो के मशहूर जज और कमेंटेटर

Passion for cricket since childhood

Born on 20 October 1963 in Patiala, Punjab, Navjot Singh Sidhu’s childhood was spent in passion for cricket. His father Bhagwant Singh himself was a famous cricketer, from whom Sidhu learned his first lessons of cricket.

Sidhu did his early schooling from Yadvindra Public School, Patiala. Along with studies, his mind always remained engrossed in the cricket field. By the time he reached college, Sidhu had been identified as a promising batsman. Later, he brought glory to the country by making a place in the Indian team.

College love- Navjot Kaur

Sidhu’s love story is no less than a film story. During his college days, he fell in love with Navjot Kaur at first sight. They would stand outside the college for hours in the sun just to look at them. Navjot Kaur was studying MBBS at that time.

Gradually friendship developed between the two and the relationship deepened with time. After a long wait and dedication, Sidhu proposed her. Before marriage, Sidhu got the horoscope of Navjot Kaur and when all 36 out of 36 qualities were found, both of them got married in the year 1991.

Navjot Singh Sidhu married Navjot Kaur on 31 December 1980.

together in the fight against cancer

After marriage, Sidhu and Navjot Kaur became parents of two children, son Karan and daughter Rabia. Navjot Kaur was also active in politics and social service, she served the public by becoming MLA from Amritsar, but there came a time in her life when Navjot was surrounded by cancer.

Sidhu supported him every moment during that difficult time. Navjot Kaur defeated cancer in the year 2023-24. During this time, Sidhu wrote emotional messages for his wife on social media – “I don’t know how to live without you, Noni.” This message became an example of their unwavering love and promise to be together.

Struggle and success in cricket

Sidhu, who made his debut with the Indian Test team against West Indies in 1983, went through many ups and downs. Initially he was criticized for his technical weaknesses, but he earned the status of ‘Sixer Sidhu’ by hitting consecutive sixes against Pakistan in the 1987 World Cup.

He has 51 Tests and 136 ODIs to his name, which include many memorable innings. After his sudden retirement from cricket in 1999, he repeatedly revealed his differences with the team selectors and management. This challenge brought him on the journey of politics and TV.

journey of politics

In 2004, he became MP from Amritsar on BJP ticket. He got a distinct identity through his poetry and aggressive speech in the Parliament. Left BJP in 2016 and joined Congress, became minister in Punjab government in 2017. Disagreements within the party also made headlines several times.

Start in TV industry

After retirement from cricket, a new innings started as a commentator on TV. His one-liners, enthusiasm and Hindi poetry were appreciated by the audience. His presence in ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’ and ‘Comedy Nights with Kapil’ gave a different height to the show. His laughter seat in The Kapil Sharma Show was popular among the people.

Kapil Sharma was removed from the show

There was controversy over Sidhu’s statement after the Pulwama attack in 2019. Due to public pressure he had to be removed from the show. He was succeeded by Archana Puran Singh, who replaced Sidhu and remains the life of the show till date. This was a big shock for Sidhu.

Return from India’s Got Talent

Sidhu returned to the world of television as a judge on ‘India’s Got Talent’. Recalling the struggle during the show, he said, “It is necessary to fall, only then we know how to get up.” This show is Sidhu’s comeback full of laughter, poetry and confidence.

In a special conversation with Dainik Bhaskar, Sidhu spoke openly about his unique journey of commentary, life and yoga. There was the same enthusiasm in his voice, the same sweetness of words, which was sometimes heard in the commentary on the cricket field.

The biggest source of commentary

Sidhu says- If I have to speak for an hour, I do not prepare even for a minute, but for half an hour I prepare for ten minutes and for three minutes I prepare for an hour. The strength of commentary lies in choosing the right words and explaining the matter clearly in less words. Sometimes one line tells the whole story.

It is important to recognize inner strength

This skill does not come from books, it comes when you understand yourself. Just as nectar comes out from the churning of the ocean, similarly meditation and practice awakens the inner power. Whatever is in the universe is also within us. People wander outside, while the real answer lies within – like the musk deer wandering in the forests for the scent of its navel.

cricketer to yogi

After playing cricket for 36 years, I disciplined my eating habits, channelized the habits that enslave the mind and became a yogi. The senses are very strong, people remain lost in appearances, but I have gone within. Real strength is within every person, you just have to find it.

change of mind

Earlier the mind was trapped in confusion and negative thinking. After reading Swami Vivekananda, I understood that real happiness lies within. The same boy who could not even say the word ‘holiday’ in front of school, today speaks in front of lakhs of people.

peace in life

Life looks beautiful if the mind is calm. If the water of the lake is stable then the shadow of the moon is clearly visible, same is the condition of the mind. Life is not achieved in a hurry, it has to be lived in peace.

Few people know the real Navjot

People recognize me externally for my one-liners, poetry and entertainment, but very few people see the inner peace and depth. A yogi is aware and balanced from within. If you do Nadi Shodhan for three months, the body will become light, the face will start glowing and the mind will remain calm.

Mother Parvati’s company

My biggest strength is the love of Mother Parvati. The impact of company is the most profound. Just as if you put an iron nail in wood, it will float for a long time, similarly, right company elevates life.

example of peace and understanding

Baba Nanak’s forgiveness and Mahavir’s patience are available only to one in crores. When this state comes, there is no shortage or fear of anything.

fear of failure

The biggest fear in the world is failure. If you want to remove fear, learn to live in the moment. Yesterday’s regrets and tomorrow’s worries take away today’s opportunity. Rahul Dravid had said- “Focus on one ball, not the entire innings.”

One year imprisonment in road rage case, released after 10 months

Navjot Singh Sidhu was sentenced to one year imprisonment by the Supreme Court in a controversial road rage case of 1988. In this serious matter, on 27 December 1988, there was an altercation with 65-year-old Gurnam Singh regarding parking of his car in Patiala, which later turned into a scuffle.

Sidhu had knocked down Gurnam Singh by hitting him with his knees. Gurnam Singh was taken to hospital, where he died. The report said that he died of a heart attack. A case of culpable homicide was registered against Sidhu and his friend Rupinder Singh Sandhu regarding this incident.

The case passed through several levels of court. Sidhu was initially acquitted by the Sessions Court, but later the High Court sentenced him to six years’ imprisonment (three years each) and imposed a fine. This decision was challenged in the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court heard the case several times and in 2018 acquitted Sidhu of the charges of culpable homicide not amounting to murder, but convicted him of causing hurt and fined him ₹1000. After a review petition was filed on this decision, the Supreme Court finally sentenced Sidhu to one year of rigorous imprisonment in 2022.

After the sentencing, Sidhu surrendered in the court and remained lodged in Patiala Central Jail. However, due to his good behavior, he was released from prison after about 10 months, before serving his scheduled one-year sentence. As soon as he came out of jail, he launched a scathing attack on the government regarding the conditions of democracy.

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