Actress Sonali Bendre, recently seen in "Broken News S2" streaming on Zee5, has finally spoken out about an old viral claim involving former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar. The claim suggested that Akhtar had jokingly stated he would "kidnap" Bendre if she didn't accept his marriage proposal. This assertion has circulated on the internet for quite some time. During an appearance on the podcast of Shubhankar Mishra while promoting her latest show, Bendre was questioned about Akhtar's comment. Mishra mentioned that Akhtar had admitted to having a crush on Bendre and expressed a desire to marry her.
Responding to this, Bendre expressed uncertainty about the truth of the claim, stating, "Fake news existed even then!" When informed that Akhtar had made the "kidnapping" statement in a playful manner, she added, "I don¡¯t know if he really said it." Bendre also expressed gratitude for Akhtar's admiration, remarking, "Thank God for that, my career is because of that (the audience loving me)!"
Click here to watch the whole interview.
Despite the long-standing nature of the claim, in 2019, Shoaib Akhtar clarified that he had never made any statements regarding Sonali Bendre. In a video posted on his YouTube channel, Akhtar addressed various rumours, including carrying Bendre's picture in his wallet, wanting to marry her, and having an affair with her. He vehemently denied all of these claims, asserting, "I never met Sonali Bendre! I was also never her fan!"
An acclaimed Indian actress, Sonali has enjoyed a significant fan following over her career, primarily due to her versatile performances in Hindi cinema. She made her acting debut in the 1994 film "Aag." She quickly gained popularity for her beauty and acting skills, establishing herself as a leading actress in the mid-1990s.
Her openness about her battle with cancer and her inspiring journey towards recovery have also won her immense respect and admiration, attracting a new wave of fans who appreciate her strength and positivity.
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