Mumbai: Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar’s lookalike Balvir Chand and his family have tested positive for COVID-19.
Chand had gained popularity due to his uncanny resemblance with the legendary Indian cricketer. After shooting for some ads as a double for Sachin, Chand was employed as a brand ambassador with a fast-food chain in Mumbai.
However, during the lockdown, he lost his job and was struggling to pay his house rent in Mumbai.
“They (Goli Vada Pav No 1, Chand’s employers) lost business after the lockdown and let go of a lot of staff. I too was asked to leave… they said they would hire me back when things improve,” said Chand.
He decided to return home in Punjab and boarded a train along with his family. On reaching his hometown, Chand and his family tested positive for coronavirus.
“We took all precautions, carried 15 bottles of sanitizers, N95 masks, our own food. But there were a lot of passengers who were quite careless. I can say from experience that travelling is not safe right now,” said Chand.
Chand is hopeful that things will be fine once the situation becomes normal.
“Sachin ji’s face has given me lot of shahurat (fame), not so much daulat (riches). But I can write, compose songs; I will try to use my own talent. Hopefully, jobs will be back and people will find value in my freaky appearance again,” he wished.
