'Wouldn't have become a star had it not been for them' - Shoaib Akhtar on relationship with Salman Khan and Sharukh Khan

Shoaib Akhtar, former Pakistan fast bowler, has opened up about  his relationship with Bollywood actors Salman Khan and Sharukh Khan. The legendary cricketer remarked that only because of the influence of both the stars could he become a celebrity.

The 48-year-old revealed how he used to imitate both Indian actors' style. He also got to meet the duo and played for the Indian Premier League franchise Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), which is co-owned by Shahrukh Khan.

"Salman Khan has always been my favourite and I also like Shahrukh. I actually have to thank both of them because had they not come in my life, I wouldn't have become a star. I used to copy Salman and Shahrukh all the time. I also used to copy Waqar Younis' run-up and also Wasim Akram,” Akhtar said while speaking in a video on the YouTube channel 'Wake up with Sorabh.’

He further opened up about his close relationship with legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

"I was really lucky to be friends with Sachin. I got along with him really well. People feel we are enemies but that's really not the case. I was friends with everyone, especially Afridi, Saqlain, Ajju (Azhar Mahmood) and was the naughtiest in the fielding sessions, naughty in a good way. I used to do mimicry and used to copy everyone. I had very few fights,” he added.

I always wanted India to love me as much as Pakistan does: Shoaib Akhtar

Akhtar ontinued by stating that he has always wished for India to admire him just as much as Pakistan does. The 48-year-old added that he desired to see the ties between the two nations expand.

"I always wanted India to love me as much as Pakistan does. It was always at the back of my mind. I always care about the region. I want trades to open between the two countries and I want things to get normal so I always talk in a balanced manner. People say I make YouTube videos only to make money and get praise from India. But I haven't done a video in a while,” he concluded.