It’s not uncommon for cricketers to be infatuated with Bollywood stars, even if they are from across the border. In the past, we had heard rumours about former Pakistan captain Imran Khan having an affair with actress Zeenat Aman while Reena Roy had married former Pakistan cricketer Mohsin Khan.
Flamboyant Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi also finally opened up on his rumoured affair with Bollywood star Sonali Bendre. Known for his stellar cricketing career and immense global fanbase, Afridi has often been the subject of public curiosity.
The alleged connection between Afridi and Bendre has fueled speculation for years. However, Afridi recently dismissed these rumors, pointing out his current role as a grandfather to underscore the absurdity of such claims. His statement brought closure to the conjecture, which had long captivated the public imagination.
During a conversation with Arts Council Karachi, Afridi was asked, “Aapki shadi badi jaldi ho gayi thi. But when we were growing up, humko kyun ye pata tha ya humne suna tha ki Sonali Bendre bahut marti thi Shahid Afridi par. Toh ye dosti thi? Unko aap mein koi interest tha? Kya haqeeqat thi?” (You got married very early. But when we were growing up, we knew or had heard that Sonali Bendre had a huge crush on Shahid Afridi. So, was it a friendship? Did she have any interest in you? What was the reality?)
To this Afridi replied, “Abhi to aap ne nana bana dia tha aur ab nana ki tum baatein shuru karwaa rahe ho. Delete kardo yr (Just now you made me a grandfather and now you are taking up tales of grandfather. Please delete it)
The interview then said, “Theek hai delete kar dete hai, samajhne wale ko ishara hi kaafi hai (Alright, we’ll delete it. A hint is enough for those who understand). Afridi ended the conversation by adding, “Ab hum bade ho gaye hain” (We have now grown up).
“Sonali Bendre Shahid Afridi Par Marti Thi?” Shahid Afridi responds.#ShahidAfridi #SonaliBendre #UrduConference #TOKReports pic.twitter.com/DtoJHuPIBP
— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) December 7, 2024
Speaking at the 17th International Urdu Conference and Karachi Festival, Afridi directly addressed a question about his alleged relationship with Bendre. He dismissed the rumors, instead highlighted his personal milestones, including becoming a grandfather. His remarks aimed to clarify his stance and shift the narrative surrounding his private life.
With 8,064 runs in One-Day Internationals (ODIs), including six centuries and 39 fifties, alongside 1,716 runs and five centuries in Test cricket, and 1,416 runs in 99 T20 internationals, Afridi’s on-field contributions are remarkable. His leadership as captain further cemented his place in cricketing history.
Sonali Bendre, too, has lived a life in the spotlight, not only for her acting accomplishments but also for her personal resilience. Married to film producer Goldie Behl, with whom she has a son, Ranveer, Bendre faced a major health challenge in 2018 when she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer. Her courage and openness during her treatment in New York won her widespread admiration.
