former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has revealed that he was once offered an opportunity to work in a Bollywood film, including an approach from Salman Khan. Speaking on Tamish Hashmi’s show, Akhtar explained that he had considered entering the Hindi film industry when relations between India and Pakistan were more favourable, but eventually decided against pursuing acting because he did not believe he could manage both professional cricket and a film career.
Akhtar Was Approached for Gangster
According to Akhtar, he was approached for a role in the 2006 film Gangster. He clarified that the offer was not for Emraan Hashmi’s lead role in the film, but for another part in the project.
Akhtar said the possibility of working in Hindi cinema had crossed his mind at the time. However, his demanding cricket schedule made the prospect difficult to pursue. As an international cricketer, he spent several months each year playing and training, leaving limited room for a second profession that would require long shooting schedules.
He also recalled that several directors had suggested he could take on a villainous character without needing to make a major transition into acting. Despite those suggestions, Akhtar ultimately chose not to proceed.
Salman Khan Had Also Offered Him a Film
Akhtar further disclosed that Salman Khan had offered him a film as well. The former fast bowler said he turned down the opportunity because he did not want to divide his time between professional cricket and the film industry.
He explained that he could not see himself sustaining two demanding careers simultaneously. His concern was not limited to scheduling. He also felt that maintaining the physical standards required for cricket while dealing with the pressures associated with filmmaking would have been difficult.
Akhtar said that balancing the two worlds could also have brought unwanted attention to his personal life, particularly with public speculation about his association with actresses.
‘I Cannot Survive in Two Industries’
Reflecting on his decision, Akhtar said he eventually recognised that he could not successfully operate in two industries at the same time. He described a routine in which he would spend around six or seven months playing cricket and potentially another six or seven months shooting, something he felt was not practical for him.
The former cricketer also pointed to the different pressures involved in the two professions. While cricket demanded a high level of fitness and preparation, filmmaking came with its own expectations, including the pressure surrounding a movie’s commercial performance.
Akhtar said he did not feel comfortable taking on those demands simply for the experience of being in front of cameras and under studio lights. His comments suggest that the decision was ultimately about choosing one professional path rather than a lack of interest in cinema.
Akhtar Praises Salman Khan
During the conversation, Akhtar also spoke warmly about Salman Khan. He said that although he may physically resemble the actor in some ways, he considered Salman a better human being and praised his charitable activities.
Akhtar described the actor as kind-hearted and said Salman has helped many people through his charitable work. The remarks also offer context to the former cricketer’s earlier revelation that he had received a film opportunity connected to the Bollywood star.
Salman Was Akhtar’s Choice for His Biopic
Akhtar has previously spoken about who he would like to see portray him if his life were ever adapted into a biopic. On that occasion, he named Salman Khan as his preferred choice for the role.
The revelation about the film offers therefore adds another connection between the two public figures. While Akhtar ultimately remained focused on cricket rather than pursuing a Bollywood career, his comments show that acting opportunities did come his way during his playing years.