Life & Style

Shoaib Akhtar wants Salman Khan to play him in his biopic

Some Twitter users agree while others argue if it would be a disgrace to the prior or latter

Entertainment Desk May 05, 2020

Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, who ended his international career with 444 wickets under his belt, was recently quoted saying that if a biopic was ever to be made about him, he’d want Salman Khan to play his role.

Shoaib Akhtar "If ever my biopic is made, I want Salman Khan to play the lead in it"
— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) May 4, 2020

Akhtar has always been a fan, considering the number of times he has praised the Bollywood star. In 2016, he met Khan in Dubai and tweeted a picture saying, "I really enjoyed my time with Salman Khan in Dubai. Great work is being done by his Being Human foundation."

I really enjoyed my time with Salman Khan in Dubai ...great work is been done by being human foundation ... pic.twitter.com/zxK2KarOGY
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) May 6, 2016

In 2018, the bowler was upset that his “friend” Khan had been sentenced to five years in prison in a case of poaching blackbucks. He said, "Really sad to see my friend Salman Khan sentenced for five years but the law must take its course and we've got to respect the decision of the honourable court of India."

Really Sad to see my friend Salman khan sentenced for 5 year But the Law must take its course & we got to respect the decision of honourable court of India but i still think punishment is to harsh but my heart goes to his family & fans ..
Am sure he will out soon ..
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) April 5, 2018

In 2016, the former speedster had also told Mid-Day that it was "up to his fans and film-makers to decide whether a film based on his life should be made or not. But he would want Khan to play him it came to the former.

Akhtar's latest statements have, however, predictably led to a series of discussions on Twitter whereby several users commented on the two.

Many argued if it was too much to ask of the Bollywood superstar, who in his age, might not do justice Akhtar's role. Others, however, wondered if essaying a Pakistani cricketer would not be in good taste for the Dabangg actor.

Just wondering, with his body built can Salman Khan even rotate his arm?
— MJ Imran (@mjimran) May 4, 2020

https://twitter.com/Faizanfaruk/status/1257235955146059776

https://twitter.com/zeeshanali38/status/1257233239686742018

He can't run that fast in his age bracket.
— Yasir Shabbir (@YasirSh57125645) May 4, 2020

https://twitter.com/valorbharat/status/1257235305649680385

@MuhammadAhmerMA Hahahaha.. 😂 or koi kam ni ha kiya salman khan ky pas.. 😂
— Jaffer Baig (@Jbaig10) May 4, 2020

Some also felt it was not the right time to make such remarks.

https://twitter.com/smollboy_abby/status/1257232583823327232

The rest continued to find similarities between the superstars, making it sound like the perfect fit.

Perfect choice.
Akthar did so much overacting throughout his career.. no one can do better overacting than Salman 😂😂 https://t.co/HGabHDwcJF
— Niraj Khatri🏏🕉️🚩 (@NirajK07Cricket) May 4, 2020