November 17, 2007	Saturday	Ziqa’ad 06, 1428

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