DYK: Katrina Kaif wanted to star opposite Salman Khan in Veer? Director Anil Sharma reveals why Zareen Khan bagged the role instead

Anil Sharma is among the popular directors of Bollywood. He is known to helm films like Gadar, Gadar 2 and Veer among others. In a recent interview, he recalls how Katrina Kaif was first choice alongside Salman Khan for Veer. He also reveals real reason for casting Zareen Khan.

Anil Sharma on NOT casting Katrina Kaif for Veer

Talking about casting Zareen Khan for the film, Anil Sharma reveals, “Nahi, aisa nahi tha. Katrina Kaif already humari picture mein thi – Apne mein. Woh khud chahti thi is picture mein aana. Lekin kahin na kahin nayi ladki ko leni thi. Yeh ladki [Zareen] mil gayi, Salman Khan sahab ko… gareeb ladki thi. Unhone mere paas bheja jo bhi jitna bhi isme mehnat kar sakta. Lekin haan, iska thoda bhi shakal milta tha. Kuch tha toh sahi (No, it wasn’t like that. Katrina Kaif was already part of our movie Apne. She herself wanted to be in this film, but somewhere, we needed a fresh face. This girl [Zareen] was noticed by Salman Khan… she came from a humble background. He sent her to me, and we worked with whatever effort she could put in. But yes, she did have some resemblance [to Katrina]).

On being asked why Katrina Kaif was not taken in the film, finally, Anil Sharma refused to divulge. He said, “Woh bas humko nayi ladki leni thi. Ab jo bhi reason raha ho, usmein jaane dijiye (We just needed a new face. Whatever the reasons were, let’s leave it at that).”

Veer is a 2010 Bollywood historical action drama directed by Anil Sharma and starring Salman Khan in the lead role. It marked debut of Zareen Khan. While Anil Sharma recently directed film Vanvaas recently hit the theatres.

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