Salman Khan : Launched Sooraj, Athiya because they are talented

Salman Khan is leaving no stone unturned to promote Suniel Shetty’s daughter Athiya and Aditya Pancholi’s son Sooraj’s debut with his home production “Hero” because he feels the two are more talented than other star kids.

The 49-year-old actor, who is a family friend of both Suniel and Aditya, said he has faith in Athiya and Suraj’s performance.

“People are saying ‘I have launched them because they are my friend’s kids’, but there is nothing like that. I have so many friends whose kids are waiting to be launched, but these kids have talent which made me launch them. They are brilliant,” Salman said here in a press conference while promoting “Hero”.

The “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” star said despite being a part of the industry it was not easy for Suraj and Athiya to work in their debut movie

“‘Halwa nahin tha’…they went through all kind of auditions and tests for dancing, action, acting and after that they were cast. I saw something in them and that is why we approached them to work in our film.”

Salman said that while Sooraj was the shy one, Athiya speaks her mind.

“Athiya has spontaneity and Sooraj has simplicity. He is exactly like his mother, has innocence, but is an introvert.

She on the other hand speaks her heart, picks things fast and has an opinion.”

When asked who out of the two gave him tough time, the “Kick” star said it was Kabir Khan, the director of his last hit.

“When these kids were shooting for ‘Hero’ I was filming “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” in Kashmir. I was cut off and couldn’t see them working on the film. By the time I came back the film was ready,” he joked.

Inputs by PTI