In an old interview with former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar, he openly expressed his fondness for Sonali. He even jokingly mentioned proposing marriage to her.
Shoaib Akhtar also humorously threatened that if Bendre rejected his marriage proposal, he would kidnap her. This playful declaration of love from the Pakistani cricket legend caught the attention of Indian fans.
Sonali Bendre on Shoaib Akhtar
In a recent episode of Shubhankar Mishra’s podcast, the host brought attention to Sonali Bendre’s popularity in Pakistan. In response to Shoaib Akhtar’s words, Bendre expressed doubts about the authenticity of the supposed proposal.
Bendre stated that she is unsure of the veracity of this, as there was fake news even back then.
Mishra also mentioned former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina’s candid admission of his admiration for the actress during the podcast. The host revealed that, in an interview, Raina had openly expressed blushing the moment her name was mentioned.
However, this is not the first time a Pakistani cricketer has declared his love for a Bollywood diva. Here are the top Pakistani cricketers who displayed their undying admiration for the Bollywood actress.
Imran Khan and Zeenat Aman
The former captain of the Pakistani cricket team, Imran Khan, was regarded as a hothead. But he was completely enamoured with Zeenat Aman, an Indian actress. In the late 1970s, the two incredibly attractive celebrities had stunned everyone with their romance.
There were many rumours that Imran fell in love with the Bollywood beauty when he arrived for a game. They split up, despite rumours that they would soon tie the knot. When a journalist questioned Zeenat about her previous relationship with Imran years later, she responded as follows:
“Let us not discuss the past. Now that our children are grown up, we are old. Let it be in the past.”
Waseem Akram and Sushmita Sen
Cricket player Waseem Akram from Pakistan could not help but fall in love with Indian beauty. Sushmita Sen, a Bollywood actress, captured his heart. They had first connected on the sets of the 2008 show Ek Khiladi Ek Haseena. At that time, Waseem was married to Huma, his first wife.
But the two grew closer after she departed for heaven in 2009. Rumours of Sushmita and Waseem’s impending marriage quickly spread. However, Susmita quickly shut down those rumours, claiming Waseem was a ‘good friend’.
Mohsin Khan and Reena Roy
Reena Roy, an Indian actress, captured the heart of Mohsin Khan, another cricket player from Pakistan. Following a period of courtship, the pair married in a secret ceremony in Karachi, Pakistan, in 1983.
When Reena wed Mohsin, she was at the height of her success. In addition, the couple has a beautiful daughter, but regrettably, their marriage did not last, and they divorced.
Imran Khan and Rekha
According to a Star Report from the year 1985, the former cricketer was all set to get married to the actress.
The same report also revealed that Imran had spent quality time with Rekha in Mumbai for a month, and the two were often spotted near the beaches. The article also stated that the rumoured couple seemed close and that they loved each other deeply and passionately.
The article also quoted Imran Khan’s views on getting married to an actress. He had once said, “The company of actresses is good for a short period. I enjoy their company for some time and then move ahead. I cannot even think of marrying a movie actress.”