Salman Khan is the Only Actor You Can Call Tiger

Salman Khan is the Only Actor You Can Call Tiger

'Ek Tha Tiger' director Kabir Khan admits the film was initially offered to Shah Rukh Khan by Aditya Chopra, but dishes that once Salman Khan came on board it was re-titled and remodeled for Salman's fan base.
"I didn't meet Shah Rukh, but yes, Adi (producer Aditya Chopra) did approach him. However, the script as it is today is meant for Salman. Which other actor can you call Tiger without it sounding cheesy? It's about a legend, and with Salman you don't have to spend screen time establishing one," says Kabir [via HT Media]
Katrina Kaif is one of his closest friends and he could not think of anyone else who could play Zoya in ETT, but she didn't recommend Salman, says the director. His name may have come up during discussions.
Kabir recalls that he and Salman developed an instant rapport when they first met years ago.
"He took an instant liking to me when we met years ago. I'd narrated Kabul Express (2006) to him without really intending to cast him. And when I approached Katrina for New York (2009), she was unsure since it wasn't a typical Yashraj film. When Salman heard I was directing it, he told her, 'I've seen Kabir's work, you can close your eyes and do the film'."
Kabir welcomed Salman's inputs during the filming because he expects his stars to be involved in the film to the same extent as the director.
"If you have a star and he doesn't bring anything to the table, it means he's brain dead or disinterested. Salman's never played a character like Tiger before so there were discussions. He had suggestions for every scene, but he doesn't force anything. I've enjoyed working with him. I wish that was true, but it isn't."
Kabir also confirms that his next is outside YRF camp. There were reports that he has signed on for a film with Ekta Kapoor and Sajid Nadiawala.