Mumbai: Former English footballer David Beckham was in India recently in his role as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
In between his work, the star managed to get some time off to meet cricket icon and fellow UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 semifinal between India and New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
Beckham also met Bollywood personalities like Shah Rukh Khan and Sonam Kapoor, both hosting him at their respective residences in Mumbai.
Shah Rukh had hosted a private party for the footballer, at his residence Mannat, here. Taking to social media, Khan posted a picture with Beckham.
While Shah Rukh was seen in a black tee shirt and blue denim pants, a black pearl chain, Beckham looked dapper in an olive-green tee shirt, and a black striped coat with matching pants.
In the caption, the ‘Jawan’ star wrote: “Last nite with an icon...and an absolute gentleman. Have always been a big admirer but meeting him and seeing how he is with kids made me realise that the only thing that out does his football is his kindness and his gentle nature. My love to your family. Be well and happy my friend and get some sleep…@Davidbeckham.”
The post has garnered more than 25 lakh likes.
Kareena Kapoor Khan wrote in the comment section, “Two GOATS,” followed by a red heart emoji, while Ridhi Dogra, who played Shah Rukh’s adoptive mother Kaveri Amma in Jawan, said: “What do women want? In a photograph”.
Later, Beckham was hosted by actress Sonam Kapoor and her husband Anand Ahuja in a star-studded lavish dinner party.
The party was also attended by Farhan Akhtar, wife Shibani Dandekar, Adar Poonawalla, Arjun Kapoor, Karisma Kapoor, Sanjay Kapoor, Maheep Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Mira Rajput, Malaika Arora and many others.
Beckham also took to his Instagram handle and shared pictures with SRK, Sonam and Anand.
The soccer champion penned a thank you note: “Honoured to have been welcomed into this great man's home. To enjoy a meal with @iamsrk, @gaurikhan, their beautiful children and close friends - what a special way to end my first visit to India...Thank you my friend - you and your family are welcome any time in my home...”
The note further read: “ @sonamkapoor and @anandahuja - you hosted me with such warmth and kindness this week, thank you for the amazing evening you created at your home - see you again soon.”
Sonam commented on David’s post: “You’re extremely gracious and a thorough gentleman.”
Anand Ahuja also commented on Beckham's post with, "@davidbeckham you & your team are the most respectful & thoughtful guests … you treated everyone with kindness and brought a charming sense of curiosity to all the conversations you had. You constantly showed us your patient, long term outlook on engaging with a part of the world that has always been an observer of your journey and is ecstatic to now be a part of it. And I surely look forward to meeting again soon.”
With inputs from agencies