“You can use Shah Rukh Khan” - Arshad Nadeem names Bollywood actor who should act in Neeraj Chopra’s biopic

Pakistani javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem suggested that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan should play the role of his cross-border rival, Neeraj Chopra, in the Indian athlete’s biopic. Arshad made history by winning Pakistan’s first gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics, while Neeraj earned the silver medal.

Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra spoke to the official broadcasters after their medal-winning final at the Stade de France. When asked who should play the role of Neeraj Chopra in his biopic, Arshad responded with a smile, saying:

“You can use Shah Rukh Khan!”

Earlier, Neeraj was asked the same question: which Bollywood actor should play Arshad Nadeem’s role in the latter’s biopic? The Tokyo 2020 gold medalist answered:

“You should look for a hero with height because Arshad has good height. In India, a young Amitabh Bachchan could have played the role…”

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Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra get love from cross-border mothers after gold and silver win at Paris 2024

Other than their on-field rivalry, the story of Arshad Nadeem and Neeraj Chopra has caught the imagination of all sporting fans in South Asia. The duo have received warm welcomes from their cross-border compatriot’s mothers.

“The one who got the gold [Arshad] is also my child,” Neeraj’s mother Saroj Devi said (as per ANI).

On a similar note, Arshad’s mother too said:

“He [Neeraj] is also like my son. He is Nadeem's friend and also his brother.”

However, despite all the camaraderie between Arshad and Neeraj, the latter has vowed to overshadow his Paris 2024 silver medal after he lost to his Pakistani compatriot ‘for the first time’.

“I have been competing against Arshad since 2016, but this is the first time I have lost to him,” Neeraj said (as per H/T).

“There is a lot left in me. I have to do that [better Paris 2024 silver]. I have that feeling that I can do it. Unless I achieve that, I won't be at peace,” he added.

Arshad and Neeraj’s Paris 2024 heroics have brought them admiration and love from athletics fans from both India and Pakistan. Both players have pushed the other to do their very best and fans will hope that this friendly rivalry continues to create record-breaking moments like the one we saw in the Paris Olympics 2024 final.