Director Kabir Khan recently shed light on his casting process for his earlier films during a conversation with casting director Mukesh Chhabra on The Bombay Journey. He shared a fascinating story about how Salman Khan played a crucial role in convincing Katrina Kaif to star in his now-hit movie, New York.
Kabir Khan revealed that Katrina, a close friend now, wasn’t thrilled after hearing the narration for New York. This was her first project with Yash Raj Films, and she anticipated something different. Kabir told Mukesh, “When we were casting for New York, Adi (Aditya Chopra) suggested Katrina for the role of Maya and asked me to meet with her. She came to Yash Raj, but I think she wasn’t particularly impressed with the film after the narration.”
At the time, Katrina was reportedly dating Salman Khan. After the meeting, Salman inquired about it, and Katrina expressed her reservations, although she found the story interesting. Salman, upon learning it was Kabir Khan who narrated the film, reportedly said, “‘Aankhen bandh karke sign karo. I have met the boy’ (Sign the movie blindly. I’ve met the guy).” Kabir Khan added, “Of course, Katrina told me this years later. It was heartwarming to know that Salman remembered meeting me before Kabul Express even released.”
Kabir Khan also revealed a prior interaction with Salman Khan while struggling to find a producer and cast for Kabul Express. He had met Salman by chance and narrated the film’s concept. Interestingly, Salman even joked about wanting to play a Taliban character in the project!
Speaking of the professional front, Kabir is currently busy with his next directorial venture, Chandu Champion. The film, starring Kartik Aaryan and Shraddha Kapoor, will be released on June 14 this year. Meanwhile, Katrina was last seen in Sriram Raghvan’s Merry Christmas opposite Vijay Sethupathi.
Also Read: Kabir Khan recalls casting challenges for Ek Tha Tiger after Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif’s break up: “They weren’t that comfortable”
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