'I have always knew that Sonakshi would be in the film industry.. and not just that, but become a big star in the industry,' said Salman Khan.
Bollywood star Salman Khan, who played mentor to several newcomers like Katrina Kaif and Zarine Khan always felt that his 'Dabangg' co-star Sonakshi was wired to become an actress.
"I have always knew that Sonakshi would be in the film industry.. and not just that, but become a big star in the industry. So I used to keep telling her every time to lose weight and now she is here in 'Dabangg'," Salman told PTI.
The 23-year-old actress, who will make her debut opposite
Salman in the up-coming action film wasn't very keen on acting
but finally took the plunge.
"I had several times asked Sonakshi do you want to do films..? and she used to say no. I even spoke to Shatru Sahab whether he is fine if she takes up acting to which he said he does not have any problem," Salman said.
"Thereafter I called Sonakshi and asked her if she was serious and she said yes," he said.
About when and how they zeroed in on Sonakshi for the film, Salman said, "At a party Arbaaz and I spotted her and soon Arbaaz showed keen interest in casting Sonakshi for the role, saying she would fit the bill and would make a good pair with me."
"But Arbaaz also doubted if she could be a good actress, to which I asked him to just tell Sonakshi to say 'Khamosh' and she said it aptly...like Shatru Sahab. Soon we selected her and did ask her to attend workshops," the 44-year-old actor said.
Directed by Abhinav Singh Kashyap and produced by Arbaaz Khan, 'Dabangg', releasing on September 10, is set in Uttar Pradesh and primarily deal with the unlawful practices in the state.
The film also has Om Puri, Dimple Kapadia, Vinod Khanna, Mahesh Manjrekar, Arbaaz Khan and Sonu Sood in supporting
roles.
Salman who will be wearing a moustache depicts the character of a fearless and corrupt policeman in the film. Sonakshi will be playing a rustic small town girl from Uttar Pradesh dressed in lehenga cholis and sarees.
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