Kabir Khan
recently opened up about the intriguing journey of bringing ex-lovers
Salman Khan
and
Katrina Kaif
together for
Yash Raj Films
‘ (YRF)
Tiger franchise
. The director revealed the challenges and emotions behind casting the duo, especially considering their relationship dynamics at the time.
During a conversation with casting director Mukesh Chhabra for Mashable India’s The Bombay Dreams, Kabir recalled the initial discomfort between
Salman
and Katrina, who had just ended their relationship, when he and
Aditya Chopra
approached Salman for
Ek Tha Tiger
.
“We were going back from Salman’s house. This was the day Salman finally said yes that we were doing the film.
Katrina
had already signed the film. She was Zoya. Katrina is just like a family to me. She is extremely close to Mini (Mathur), kids and me. Vicky is also now an integral part of our family. And then we went to Salman. This was the stage when they had broken up, so it wasn’t like comfortable. I told him I wanted Katrina and he knew my connection with her,” Kabir shared.
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Kabir then expressed his surprise and gratitude when Salman agreed to do the film. “Adi (Aditya Chopra) and I were driving back from Salman’s place Galaxy (apartment) to Yash Raj studios and we were silent because we had just cast Salman Khan for the first time for Tiger (Ek Tha Tiger), Katrina was (already) there. I think for about 5-10 mins we kept silent and then he said, ‘yaar bahot badi casting hai (Friend, this is an incredible casting)’. And the very next day we announced it,” he added.
The success of Ek Tha Tiger paved the way for Salman and Katrina to collaborate further in the Tiger franchise, including
Tiger Zinda Hai
and the upcoming Tiger 3. Their on-screen chemistry and professional camaraderie have been celebrated by audiences, making them one of Bollywood’s most beloved pairs. Additionally, they reunited in Bharat after Priyanka Chopra’s exit from the project, showcasing their rapport on screen.