Director Anil Sharma, known for helming iconic
Bollywood
films like ‘Gadar’ and ‘Veer’, recently opened up about the casting process for the 2010 historical action drama Veer, which starred Salman Khan in the lead role.
In conversation with Bollywood Bubble, Anil shared insights into why Katrina Kaif, who was initially considered for the film, was ultimately not cast.
Katrina, who had previously worked with Sharma in Apne, reportedly expressed a strong interest in being part of Veer. “Katrina Kaif already humari picture mein thi – Apne mein. Woh khud chahti thi is picture mein aana,” Sharma revealed, emphasizing that the actress was eager to join the project.
However, Sharma explained that the creative vision for the film required a fresh face, leading to the decision to cast debutante Zareen. “Lekin kahin na kahin nayi ladki ko leni thi,” he stated.
The director went on to explain that Salman Khan played a pivotal role in introducing Zareen to the project. “Yeh ladki [Zareen] mil gayi, Salman Khan sahab ko… gareeb ladki thi. Unhone mere paas bheja jo bhi jitna bhi isme mehnat kar sakta,” he said, referring to her humble background and her resemblance to Katrina Kaif as factors in her selection.
While Anil Sharma praised Zareen’s efforts and dedication to the role, he refrained from sharing further details about why Katrina wasn’t finalized. “Woh bas humko nayi ladki leni thi. Ab jo bhi reason raha ho, usmein jaane dijiye,” he remarked, choosing to leave the topic at that.
‘Veer’ marked Zareen Khan’s debut in Bollywood, with the actress portraying Princess Yashodhara alongside Salman Khan’s larger-than-life character. Despite mixed reviews, the film gained attention for its grandeur and Zareen’s striking resemblance to Katrina, which became a talking point among fans and critics alike.
On the other hand, Salman and Katrina were last seen in ‘Tiger 3’.
ETimes review for the film read, “Despite its expected storyline and reliance on established spy movie tropes, ‘Tiger 3′ navigates a delicate balance between showcasing patriotism and overdramatising it. The timely cameo by Shahrukh Khan as Pathaan, is integrated seamlessly into the story. It’s sure to hit home with the fans of both the Khans. This time around, Pritam’s music falls short of leaving a lasting impact.’Tiger 3’ qualifies as a good addition to the franchise with enough ammo for mass entertainment.” We also rated the film with 3 out of 5 stars.
