Actor Arfie Shah Serves Up Pickleball in New Telefilm 'Dink! I Love You'

Actor Arfie Shah finds himself in a unique position, starring in the upcoming telefilm "Dink! I Love You," which prominently features the increasingly popular sport of pickleball. Shah, who is a passionate player of the sport in his personal time, expressed his surprise and gratitude for the opportunity to portray a pickleball athlete on screen.

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Honestly, I never expected that the sport I love most, pickleball, would eventually open doors for me to play the role of a pickleball athlete.

"Honestly, I never expected that the sport I love most, pickleball, would eventually open doors for me to play the role of a pickleball athlete," Shah stated. He described his involvement as a serendipitous turn of events, transitioning from casual play to a professional acting role. "At first, I was just playing for fun and to fill my free time, but fate brought me to the filming set. Looking back, it all happened so quickly, and I am very grateful for this opportunity."

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At first, I was just playing for fun and to fill my free time, but fate brought me to the filming set. Looking back, it all happened so quickly, and I am very grateful for this opportunity.

The telefilm also stars well-known actors Anna Jobling and Aedy Ashraf. Shah spoke highly of his experience working with them, noting the ease of collaboration due to their existing friendship and professional demeanor. "Working with Anna Jobling and Aedy Ashraf was a very valuable experience. I've been friends with them for a long time, so it was very enjoyable to work with them," he said. He specifically praised Anna's professionalism and Aedy's willingness to share his experience and boost Shah's confidence during scenes.

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Working with Anna Jobling and Aedy Ashraf was a very valuable experience. I've been friends with them for a long time, so it was very enjoyable to work with them.

Shah also discussed the challenges of his role as Ghazali, a smart student with no prior sports experience. He found it difficult to act as if he were unskilled at pickleball, a sport he plays actively. "As someone who actively plays pickleball, it was quite difficult for me to act in scenes as if I didn't know how to play the sport," he admitted. He was drawn to Ghazali's character arc, particularly his friendship with Diba, who serves as a supportive teammate. Shah believes Ghazali's journey conveys a message about achieving success through discipline and consistent effort, rather than innate talent alone.

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As someone who actively plays pickleball, it was quite difficult for me to act in scenes as if I didn't know how to play the sport.