LAHORE – Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that he received multiple offers to work in Bollywood during his cricket career but chose to remain focused on the sport rather than pursue an acting career.
Speaking on a local TV show, Shoaib Akhtar said he had seriously considered entering the film industry at one point.
He revealed that he was offered a role in Gangster, the 2006 Bollywood film starring Emraan Hashmi, Kangana Ranaut and Shiney Ahuja.
Shoaib Akhtar also disclosed that Bollywood superstar Salman Khan personally offered him a role in one of his films. He said several filmmakers believed his personality and appearance would make him suitable for playing a villain.
The former pacer said he was interested in exploring acting but eventually realised that balancing a demanding international cricket career with a film career would be extremely difficult.
“I realised that I could not do justice to both cricket and acting at the same time,” Akhtar said, explaining why he ultimately turned down the opportunities.
He decided to give cricket his full attention and continued to build a career that made him one of Pakistan’s most celebrated fast bowlers.
His latest revelation offers an interesting glimpse into a career path he could have taken away from cricket. Despite receiving opportunities from prominent Bollywood figures, Akhtar chose to prioritise his cricketing ambitions.
The former fast bowler has remained a popular figure in the entertainment and sports media, frequently appearing on television shows and sharing his views on cricket and sporting affairs.
Known for his extraordinary pace and aggressive bowling style, Akhtar represented Pakistan in all three formats and became one of the most recognisable cricketers of his generation. His popularity also extended beyond cricket, particularly in India, where his on-field rivalry with some of the country’s leading batsmen made him a major sporting personality.
