When it comes to high-octane masala drama, there’s literally no man better than the one and only ‘Bhaijaan of Bollywood’, Salman Khan. In 2010, he came up with the first franchise of the mega cop universe of Dabangg and after two successful outings of the franchise, Bollywood’s beloved ‘Bhai’ is back again with ‘Dabangg 3’. The movie also introduces Saiee Manjrekar as the parallel lead.
In a chit-chat with IWMBuzz, Salman opens up about the movie, the journey of Dabangg, Saiee Manjrekar and a lot more. Read exclusively to find out
Salman, the time when you started Dabangg, did you have any thought of actually turning into a franchise?
So when we shot Dabangg, at the end, we had shot something like ‘Chhedi Singh ka bhai aa raha hai…’ which hinted towards the fact that we are coming up with a sequel as well. I remember Arbaaz asked me at that point of time ki ‘Bhai, are we being a bit pompous? What if the movie doesn’t work?’ I told him ki boss chalegi toh chalegi nahi chalegi toh abhi kya kar sakte hai. So that’s how we came with Dabangg 2 and now this one.
So how did you think of Warina Hussain for a special song sequence?
Because Warina has already worked and has done a film (LoveYatri) with Aayush. We initially had some other actors in mind but then because she was good in the film earlier, we decided to go ahead with her and have her on board. As you all can see, she’s done a fabulous job.
Salman, how difficult it is to continue a franchise successfully?
It is very very difficult. But this one has fallen in its place nicely and well.
Is making a prequel tougher than a sequel Salman?
Okay, so yeh waisa wala prequel nahi hai. Matlab yeh prequel hai but it’s in the narrative. So it starts from part 3 and then goes to the past and then comes back again to 3. Arbaaz and I had to do a lot of improvisation for Dabangg 3.
Salman, you have been seeing Saiee since childhood and now she’s coming as your heroine. Do you think she has done justice to the role and character?
She has done a wonderful job. I will be literally shocked if this industry doesn’t get a very big star in her.
Salman, you are the undisputed master when it comes to action movies. Despite so much success, your seriousness and work ethics is still the same. How do you ensure that success doesn’t go into your head?
See for me heroism works always. When earlier I used to go to watch movies and love a hero, I used to feel like I want to be this. Heroism has to be backed by emotions to make the content work. As far as success is concerned, you need to push hard daily. Nothing is permanent and I follow the same funda.
