In Bollywood, it’s often said that having Salman Khan as a friend is a blessing – but having him as an enemy is another matter entirely. Actor Mohammed Zeeshan Ayyub recently recalled an incident where he had to get into a physical altercation with Salman, and even slap him; although it was all in the name of cinema.
Speaking to Indian media outlet Anandabazar, the ‘Tandav’ and ‘Criminal Justice’ star admitted he was terrified during the encounter, fearing it might jeopardise his career. The scene took place during the filming of Kabir Khan’s ‘Tubelight’, where Zeeshan’s character slaps Salman’s brother and sends him tumbling off a small bridge. “That was my first meeting with Salman sir,” Zeeshan said. “I stopped him, slapped him and he fell. Love at first sight – in a very unusual way.”
Zeeshan confessed that his first attempt looked unconvincing because he was holding back, worried Salman might take offence. “I was slapping him from a distance, thinking he might get angry,” he explained. “It looked fake.” To his surprise, Salman encouraged him to do it again, but properly. “Slap me from close up,” he told me.”
Summoning his courage, Zeeshan delivered the take, still trembling inside, convinced it might be his last performance.
Instead, Salman proved to be entirely professional, later praising the actor for the scene. Only then did Zeeshan feel the weight lift from his chest.