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?

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.