Salman Khan was the first choice for 'Ek Tha Tiger'

Mumbai: Kabir Khan is currently waiting with bated breath for the release of his upcoming film, starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. The former documentary filmmaker started his Bollywood career with 'Kabul Express', followed by 'New York'.

During the course of the conversation, while Khan admits that the industry today is indeed driven by numbers, he doesn’t wish to conform to the media’s make-believe clubs. In a freewheeling chat, he talks about his experience with Salman, the actor’s chemistry with former ladylove Katrina and the Rs 100-crore club...

Salman had a surgery during the making of the film. Did it affect the overall outcome?

Salman Khan plays a RAW agent in his next film 'Ek Tha Tiger' which will hit the screens on August 15, 2012.
After giving hits like 'Wanted', 'Dabangg', 'Ready' and 'Bodygurad', Bollywood actor Salman Khan is all set to take you by storm again with 'Ek Tha Tiger'.
He will be seen romancing his former lady love Katrina Kaif in the movie. (All the stills have been taken from the official promos of the film.)
Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif starrer 'Ek Tha Tiger' has been making headlines from long. From its music to action sequences, everything is grabbing eyeballs.
Salman Khan had four back-to-back blockbusters and expectations from his next release 'Ek Tha Tiger' are enormous.
Salman Khan appears quite oblivious to the pressure and says almost philosophically that whatever a film's fate, the audience is always right and must be entertained.
In his over two decade career, Salman has dabbled in all genres - romance, action and comedy. But right now, the 46-year-old admits he doesn't know what will click with the audience.
Salman Khan believes in following his heart and, more importantly, his passion for acting.
The much awaited Yash Raj Films' romantic action thriller 'Ek Tha Tiger' sees Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif coming together after four years.
Being released on Independence Day, 'Ek Tha Tiger' is Salman-Katrina's first release after they parted ways. Their last film together was 2008 release 'Yuvvraaj'.
'Ek Tha Tiger' is a complete package and it has many USPs, says its director Kabir Khan.
Salman appreciates Katrina's performance in the film and says she is very good in the film.
"Sonia in 'Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya' was okay, Anushka in 'Yuvvraaj' was good but Zoya in 'Ek Tha Tiger' is too good," says Salman Khan.
Salman Khan is unhappy that his fans will have to shell out more to watch his forthcoming film 'Ek Tha Tiger' in a multiplex, but the actor says the ticket price will come down eventually a few days post the film's release Aug 15.
Multiplex chains have reportedly decided to cash in on the buzz around the Salman-Katrina Kaif starrer by levying a 12 to 16 per cent hike in their ticket prices.
Salman Khan has a huge fan following and his fans will not mind spending extra money for his much awaited film.
The film is coming out on Independence Day and then Monday is Eid. Double benefit for the film.
So do you think Zoya and Tiger are all set to break all the box office records?

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$Salman was the first choice for \'Ek Tha Tiger\'$

Ek Tha Tiger

No, it happened at the very beginning of the project. He took a proper break to get his nerve disorder in the face treated. We commenced only after his surgery, so there was no delay or interruption of any sort.

Is it true that Hrithik Roshan was the first choice for the film?

These were mere speculations. Yash Raj banner makes many films at the same time and at the end of the day, how many actors can you call Tiger in the industry? Also, I’m one of those filmmakers who write a story keeping the actor’s personality in mind.

So Salman it was from the beginning...?

Absolutely. He has the inherent qualities of the character I had envisioned even before we got down to shoot. In the film, Salman’s simply a legend and needless to say, he fits to the tee. Today, I can’t see anyone else in this role.

Did his personal equation with Katrina ever come in the way of the film?

As far as I could see, they were extremely friendly and comfortable in each other’s presence throughout the shoot. After all, they’ve known each other for almost a decade now. Their chemistry speaks for itself on the screen.

What do you think of the Rs 100 crore club?

It’s just a media creation. (Laughs) I don’t know where this club is or where its headquarter is located. Is it in Lokhandwala? (Laughs again) The box office collection is indeed a parameter of success but it’s not the only one. Earlier, we used to judge a film by its silver or golden jubilee. Personally, I believe numbers don’t always justify success. Just because Spider-Man rakes in more money doesn’t make it a superior film than Rain Man.

There are talks about you moving away from the Yash Raj camp and working with Sajid Nadiadwala. Is it true?

As of now, there are only talks going on. Nothing has been finalised yet. Anyway, it’s not like I’ll leave this production house for good and not come back to work again. Aditya (Chopra) has supported me from the very beginning and I’ll always remain thankful for that.