Both Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan decided to come on board when Yash Raj Films (YRF) chief Aditya Chopra presented to them the idea of sharing screen space in Siddarth Anand’s spy action thriller Pathaan, 27 years after the Bollywood stars were first seen together in Rakesh Roshan’s Karan Arjun.
Salman said his reunion with Shah Rukh on the big screen always needed a special film. “I’m glad Pathaan is that film. When we did Karan Arjun, it was a blockbuster and now Pathaan, which is part of YRF’s Spy Universe, has also turned out to be a blockbuster.”
“I’m aware that audiences love to see us together. I’m happy that they have given us so much love in Pathaan. I was floored when Adi narrated the sequence to me and told me about his vision,” said the actor who plays Tiger in the YRF Spy Universe.
Praising Aditya Chopra and Siddharth Anand’s vision to bring them together in the crossover movie, Salman also said his presence in a high-octane action sequence in Pathaan provided fan service for both his and Shah Rukh’s fans. “His (Adi’s) intention was to play to the gallery and give our fans and audiences what they wanted to see from us. Given how closely Adi has known Shah Rukh and I, he truly managed to capture our personalities in those scenes,” he explained.
“Also the way Sidharth executed the sequence and presented us was brilliant. That’s why we are getting love from audiences. I’m happy for Shah Rukh and YRF. It’s a huge win for Indian cinema that we have been able to bring people back to the theatres after the pandemic,” added the Tiger Zinda Hain actor.
On his part, Shah Rukh said they were just waiting for the right script to appear together on the big screen. “Trust me when I say this, Salman and I always wanted to act together. But we were waiting for the right film because we both knew that there would be incredible excitement to see us on screen. It’s our duty to deliver because our fans love us so much. If it’s not the right film, they would be mighty dejected and that wouldn’t work for the project. Matlab fans ka sawaal hai, choti script pe nahi chodh sakte types!!”
“So, when Adi told me about the idea to bring together two super spies from YRF’s Spy Universe —Tiger and Pathaan — to do some kickass action scenes, which I’m hoping many people have seen by now, I instantly jumped at the idea because it would reunite Salman and I on the big screen. I’m delighted that people are loving us together in Pathaan,” the 57-year-old actor added.
“I know it was a long wait for fans to see us like this on screen. I’m glad that we have delivered a film that they are thoroughly enjoying. Besides this, it’s too much fun with Bhai on sets. I had missed being with him on screen, so it all turned out as it should…and that Tiger scarf I am keeping as a memento!!” said Shah Rukh.
Also featuring Deepika Padukone, John Abraham, Dimple Kapadia and Ashutosh Rana, Pathaan, which was released in theatres on January 25, has grossed Rs 832 crore worldwide till now.
