Grand Launch of the Tollywood Pro League by Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, and Dil Raju
It is well known that for Indians, cricket and cinema are the ultimate forms of entertainment, and the bond between the two is inseparable. Keeping this in mind, actor Vamsi Chaganti, who has earned a good name as a performer, along with EBG Group’s Irfan Khan and Hari, organized the Tollywood Pro League.
The grand launch event of the Tollywood Pro League was held at the Novotel Hotel in Hyderabad with great pomp and splendor. Legendary cricketers Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, and Suresh Raina attended the event as chief guests.
Speaking on the occasion, Vamsi Chaganti, one of the founders of the Tollywood Pro League, said:
“So far, we have all seen only stars playing cricket. But what if people from all 24 departments of the film industry come together, forgetting their designations, and play cricket as one team? That thought gave birth to the Tollywood Pro League. Once, while playing cricket with the police department, Police Commissioner C.V. Anand garu and constable Loknath Naik opened the batting together.
Forgetting their posts, they played with great coordination and performed excellently. That moment stayed with me. It made me realize that there are many talented cricketers across various departments in our industry. I felt it would be great to bring all of them onto one platform. When I shared this idea with Dil Raju garu, he immediately said it was a great idea and encouraged me to execute it, assuring me of his full support. Once Dil Raju garu gave the go-ahead, I didn’t think twice. I shared the idea with EBG Group MD Irfan Khan and Hari, and they came forward wholeheartedly to support this initiative.
This cricket tournament will be held at the Uppal Stadium over five days February 13, 14, 15, 21, and 22. Six teams will participate, each owned by leading production houses from Tollywood. The names of these producers will be revealed later and are being kept as a suspense for now.”
Organizers Irfan Khan and Hari added:
“If your support continues like this, our company EBG will organize similar leagues across India. A portion of the revenue generated from this cricket league will be donated to welfare activities, handed over by FDC Chairman Dil Raju.”
Dil Raju said:
“Though the league is named Tollywood Pro League, in my view, following Telangana tradition, it feels like a Telugu cinema ‘Alai–Balai’ celebration. When Vamsi shared this idea with me, I felt it was truly wonderful. I will do everything possible to take this Tollywood cricket league forward and make it a success.”
The Tollywood Pro League logo, jerseys, and winners’ trophy were unveiled by Kapil Dev, Virender Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Dil Raju, music director Thaman, Irfan Khan, Sonu Sood, Raashii Khanna, and Hari.
Directors Anil Ravipudi, Prashanth Varma, Sailesh Kolanu, and Omkar shared their excitement, saying:
“The idea of playing cricket together with everyone from the film industry is fantastic. Cricketers from all 24 departments, get ready—we’re going to rock it!”
On this occasion, a cricket-themed ad video acted by Sailesh Kolanu was also released.
Producers T.G. Vishwaprasad (People’s Media Factory), Rajeev Reddy (First Frame Entertainment), Naga Vamsi (Sithara), Sahu Garapati (Shine Screen), and Bapineedu (SVCC), along with actors Ashwin Babu, Khayyum, Harsha Chemudu, director Yadhu Vamsi of Committee Kurrollu, and the entire film team attended the event.
Actors Murali Sharma, Ashish Vidyarthi, Dino Morea, and nearly 150 cricket-playing members from various departments of the film industry were also present at this grand launch event.
