Salman Khan’s 2009 blockbuster Wanted marked a major turning point in the actor’s career, establishing him as one of Bollywood’s leading mass-action stars, states NDTV.
But producer Boney Kapoor has now revealed that Salman initially wanted Katrina Kaif to play the film’s leading lady.
Wanted was the Hindi remake of Puri Jagannadh’s 2006 Telugu hit Pokiri.
Boney Kapoor believed Salman was the perfect choice to play the film’s protagonist, Radhe, also known as Rajveer Shekhawat.
In an interview with Rediff, Boney recalled arranging two preview screenings of Pokiri for Salman.
However, the actor was unable to attend either screening because of his busy schedule.
The producer said he was eager to move ahead with the Hindi remake before the Tamil adaptation of Pokiri was released.
He feared that if the Tamil version became a major success, another Bollywood producer or actor might become interested in acquiring the Hindi remake rights.
Salman eventually watched Pokiri and agreed to star in Wanted, which was directed by Prabhu Deva.
According to Boney, Salman suggested Katrina Kaif for the role of the film’s heroine.
However, the producer ultimately decided against casting her.
He explained that the female character is initially uncertain about her feelings for Radhe, and he felt the role would work better with an actress who had not previously been paired opposite Salman on screen.
Several names, including Genelia D’Souza, were considered before Ayesha Takia was eventually cast as the female lead.
Boney also noted that many people consider Wanted to be Salman’s comeback film, as it ushered in one of the most commercially successful phases of his career.
As a producer, Boney Kapoor has backed films such as Mr India, Judaai, No Entry and Mom.
Salman, meanwhile, has delivered several iconic films throughout his career, including Maine Pyaar Kiya, Tere Naam, Andaz Apna Apna and Dabangg.
