QUALITY NEEDS COMFORT LEVEL

Salman Khan says that strong movies require a healthy camaraderie between an actor and a director

In his career of more than 30 years in the industry, Salman Khan has worked with a number of directors, ranging from Sooraj Barjatya (in Maine Pyaar Kiya, 1989) to Kabir Khan (Ek Tha Tiger, 2012; Bajrangi Bhaijaan, 2015; and Tubelight, this year). He says it is necessary for an actor to have a great rapport with his directors.

“A comfort level has to be there, regardless of whom I work with,” says Salman. “Otherwise, you can’t make these kinds of films.” His three films with Kabir Khan show a clear chemistry between the actor and the filmmaker.

Salman, who will soon be working with choreographer director Remo D’Souza for the first time, says that when there’s healthy camaraderie between an actor and a director, “there are healthy discussions” regarding the project. “Such discussions can range from things like, ‘If we should keep this or that (in a film), if we should do something in a particular style, or if something isn’t working out and if a song is not that great,’” he says.

Salman, who debuted with Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), says that he also has an understanding of films, thanks to his extensive experience. “I have been in the industry for the past 30 years now, and with my background in writing and dad (Salim Khan was one half of the famous Bollywood writer duo, Salim-Javed), I have enough experience to tell what’s working and what isn’t.”

The actor will next be seen in Ali Abbas Zafar’s Tiger Zinda Hai, which will see Salman teaming up with Katrina Kaif again after Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), Partner (2007), Yuvvraaj (2008) and Ek Tha Tiger.

“Katrina is surely one of the most hardworking girls in the industry,” says the actor.

Salman will also start shooting for Dabangg 3 this year, reprising his role as the cool cop, the very dabangg Chulbul Pandey. The film is likely to be directed by Prabhu Deva.

PHOTO: JOE PENNEY/REUTERS