Did you know? Akshay Kumar was the first choice for Salman Khan’s brother in ‘Tubelight’

With exactly two weeks for the release of Salman Khan’s much-anticipated ‘Tubelight’, the promotions are in full swing. The film is looking special in many ways with the bond shared between the real and reel brothers Salman and Sohail Khan. But, to our surprise Sohail Khan wasn’t the first choice for the role. Recently, filmmaker Kabir Khan has revealed that he had some names in his mind for this role. And interestingly among them was none other than actor Akshay Kumar whom Kabir had considered to cast as Salman’s brother in the film.

While talking about it to a leading daily, Kabir Khan said, “Instead of a real brother, I thought we should get another actor and create the chemistry on screen.” Further, he claimed that he had not finalised anyone, but there were some actors in contention whom he thought would be perfect for the role and Akshay Kumar was one of them. (Also Read: Salman Khan won’t ask ‘Tubelight’ makers to slash ticket prices, like he did for ‘Jai Ho’)

“That was while we were developing the script, and before we could decide, I was convinced by Sohail. May be, with another actor, I would have had to spend time and create the chemistry that Salman and Sohail share,” added the ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ director. [sic]

Further, Salman also admitted saying, “They wanted someone bigger so that we could crack the number game and earn more at the box office.” But, Salman too felt that Sohail Khan was apt for the role and was keen on working with him. The reason being it would have been easy for their real life equation as brothers to come onscreen naturally.

“I wanted to be really comfortable, and honestly, with Sohail, I didn’t need to act too much. The emotions came automatically. So when you see the tears in the film, sometimes, they are my own emotions as a brother,” added the actor. [sic]

The equation we see between them in the trailer and songs from the film certainly seems so real. And we must say that the decision to cast the brothers was perfect.

‘Tubelight’ is a war drama co-starring Chinese actress Zhu Zhu and child actor Matin Rey Tangu.

The film is slated to hit the screens on June 23, 2017.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.