Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Mar 4: Six months after hanging up his umpire’s hat, former international cricket umpire Anil Chaudhary has embarked on an unexpected new innings — as the face of a Haryanvi music video titled “Goli Toh Chalegi”.
Once part of the elite panel of Indian cricket umpires, Chaudhary is seen riding a horse, brandishing a gun and embracing a rugged Haryanvi persona in the video, marking his on-screen debut in a bold avatar.
Directed by fashion designer-turned-filmmaker Suman Guha, the song is sung by Diamond and produced by Naresh Jha’s production house Epic Films. The official synopsis describes it as a “bold Haryanvi gangster anthem driven by attitude, authority and consequence.”
“Epic Films proudly presents the official music video of ‘Goli Toh Chalegi’, featuring International Cricket Umpire Anil Chaudhary in his most powerful and unexpected on-screen debut. A bold Haryanvi gangster anthem… this is not just a song, it’s a statement,” the description reads.
Chaudhary said he adapted comfortably to the camera, given his experience in the public eye through umpiring and commentary. Known for his fluency in Haryanvi during cricket commentary assignments, he said acting offered a different kind of challenge.
“Compared to umpiring in an international or IPL match, there was slightly less pressure on me. Here, if you miss something or make a mistake, you can correct it at the edit table, but that is not the case in umpiring. In acting, you have to enact a lot of emotions. In umpiring, you have to avoid emotions,” Chaudhary said at the launch event in Mumbai.
Between 2013 and 2025, Chaudhary officiated in 12 Tests, 49 ODIs, 64 T20 Internationals and 131 Indian Premier League matches. He shares the record for the most on-field appearances by an umpire with S Ravi.
Domestically too, his record stands out, having officiated in 91 first-class matches, 114 List A games and 278 T20 fixtures.
In 2022, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) placed him among the only 10 umpires in the prestigious A+ category after reviewing performances from the 2021-22 season.
Chaudhary’s swansong in domestic cricket was the Ranji Trophy final between Vidarbha and Kerala in Nagpur in February last year. His final international assignment was the ODI between India and Australia on September 27, 2025.
Post-retirement, he remains connected to the sport through his YouTube channel Umpire’s Call by Anil Chaudhary, where he explains cricket laws, shares insights and offers behind-the-scenes anecdotes from his umpiring career — now adding acting to his growing list of pursuits.