MUMBAI, Nov 16: Pakistan’s fiery fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has expressed desire to meet Bollywood icon Sanjay Dutt who is in a jail in Pune as both are said to be good friends.

Shoaib’s agents in India have conveyed his desire to Dutt’s sister Priya and are making arrangements for the meeting, media reports said here on Friday.

Shoaib said that he was a big fan of Dutt and considers him a very good human being. “He has a huge fan following in Pakistan and I know of many families who are praying for his release,” said Shoaib.

The maverick fast bowler said he had also purchased a special gift for Dutt but refused to say what it was. “I want to give it to him if I get a chance to meet him in jail,” he added.

Dutt’s bail application will be heard on November 20 and if he is released, Shoaib would be his guest at his home in Mumbai.

The fast bowler, who had earlier turned down an offer from filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt to act in his hit film — Gangster — said he could do with a bit of acting if any offers came his way. “If I get another offer I will do it because I want to do different things in life. I am also planning to get married soon and settle down,” he said.—Agencies

Opinion

Editorial

Lingering concerns
19 Sep, 2024

Lingering concerns

Embarrassed after failing to muster numbers during the high-stakes drama that played out all weekend, the govt will need time to regroup.
Pager explosions
19 Sep, 2024

Pager explosions

LEBANON was rocked by a shocking and sophisticated attack on Sunday in which hundreds of pagers exploded, causing at...
Losing to China
19 Sep, 2024

Losing to China

AT a time when they should have stepped up, a sense of complacency seemed to have descended on the Pakistan hockey...
Parliament’s place
Updated 17 Sep, 2024

Parliament’s place

Efforts to restore parliament’s sanctity must rise above all political differences and legislative activities must be open to scrutiny and debate.
Afghan policy flux
Updated 18 Sep, 2024

Afghan policy flux

A fresh approach is needed, where Pakistan’s security is prioritised and decision taken to improve ties. Afghan Taliban also need to respond in kind.
HIV/AIDS outbreak
17 Sep, 2024

HIV/AIDS outbreak

MULTIPLE factors — the government’s inability to put its people first, a rickety health infrastructure, and...