Did Shoaib Akhtar really threaten to 'kidnap' Sonali Bendre? Actress reacts to former Pakistani cricketer's old viral proposal

For years, a viral claim has circulated on the internet regarding former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar's playful proposal to 'kidnap' Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre if she declined his marriage proposal. Recently, Bendre addressed this longstanding rumor during a podcast interview while promoting her latest show, 'The Broken News' season 2.

Sonali Bendre Reacts To The Viral Claim

During her conversation with host Shubhankar Mishra, Bendre expressed surprise and skepticism about the claim, questioning its authenticity. She remarked, "Did he really say that? I don’t know how true this is though. Fake news existed even then!" This initial reaction showcases Bendre's uncertainty regarding the questionable statement attributed to Akhtar.

Shoaib Akhtar's Alleged Proposal

Mishra elaborated on Akhtar's past confession of having a massive crush on Bendre and his statement about kidnapping her if she rejected his proposal. Bendre, still unsure about the validity of these claims, remarked, "I don’t know if he really said it…"


Bendre further expressed gratitude for her fans' admiration, acknowledging their role in her career's success. She stated, "Thank God for that, my career is because of that (audience loving me)!" This sentiment highlights Bendre's appreciation for her audience and their support throughout her journey.

Mishra also discussed an interesting revelation about former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina during the podcast. According to the host, in a recent interview, Raina openly expressed his admiration for the actress and blushed immediately upon hearing her name mentioned.

Shoaib Akhtar's Clarification

It's important to note that Akhtar clarified in 2019 that he never made any statements related to Bendre. In a video on his YouTube page, he debunked several rumors, emphasizing his admiration for Bendre's resilience during her battle with cancer.

On the professional front, Sonali Bendre, known for her roles in 'Sarfarosh', 'Hum Saath Saath Hain', and 'Duplicate.' continues to captivate audiences with her performances, including her recent role in 'The Broken News' season 2, where she shines alongside a talented cast.