In recent interviews, Bollywood actress and filmmaker Kangana Ranaut has shed light on her heartening equation with superstar Salman Khan. As she gears up for the theatrical release of her highly anticipated film “Emergency,” Ranaut has remained vocal about the support and kindness she has received from Khan, despite her controversial stance of being boycotted by some segments of Bollywood.
During an insightful conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Kangana recounted multiple instances where Salman extended offers for significant roles in blockbuster films. Notably, he offered her the roles played by Kareena Kapoor in “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” and Anushka Sharma in “Sultan.” Her candid reflection opened a window into their unique friendship that has stood resilient despite professional choices that did not align.
“Salman offered me a role in ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan.’ I was like, ‘Yeh kya role diya hai?’ (What is this role?). He then approached me for ‘Sultan.’ I didn’t take that up. He was like, ‘What more do I offer to you now?,'” said Ranaut with a chuckle. Despite turning down two significant roles, the camaraderie between them remains strong. “Salman is so kind. He keeps talking to me and is excited to watch ‘Emergency.’ We share mutual friends, and he even sent one to check out the film. He called me and said, ‘It’s a nice film.’ I told him, ‘So you have the news, but you haven’t watched it yourself.’ This is the kind of bonding we share,” she elaborated.
Beyond her reflections on Salman Khan’s gestures, Kangana has also revealed her aspirational wish to direct a film featuring the three Khans of Bollywood—Aamir Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Salman Khan. During the trailer launch event for “Emergency,” she expressed her desire to produce and direct a project that would showcase the immense talent and societal impact of this iconic trio.
. “I would love to produce and direct a film with all three Khans. And I would also love to show their talented side, where they can act and look good. They can also do something very significant to society. I think they are all very talented,” she asserted.
Interestingly, Kangana has remained steadfast about her choices in the industry, often veering away from conventional roles in Khan-led films. As mentioned in an interview with Raj Shamani, she elaborated on why she has not been a part of films starring Aamir, Shah Rukh, or Salman Khan. “I said no to their films because their films are prototypes where the heroine has two scenes and one song,” she shared, emphasizing her preference for more substantial and impactful roles.
Regarding her upcoming film “Emergency,” it is a star-studded affair featuring celebrated actors such as Anupam Kher, Mahima Chaudhary, Milind Soman, Shreyas Talpade, Vishak Nair, and the late Satish Kaushik. The film, produced by Zee Studios and Manikarnika Films, promises an exceptional musical experience with compositions by Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara, and G.V. Prakash Kumar. The screenplay and dialogues have been crafted by Ritesh Shah, ensuring a compelling narrative for the audience.
As anticipation builds, “Emergency” is slated to hit theaters on September 6, 2024. The film, which delves into a significant period in Indian political history, has already garnered attention for its strong storytelling and powerful performances. Kangana’s dual role as both the lead actress and the director of the film adds to the intrigue surrounding its release.
Reflecting on her career trajectory and industry standing, Kangana’s bond with Salman Khan offers a refreshing perspective of camaraderie amidst a landscape often rocked by rivalries and controversies. Her openness about rejecting significant roles yet maintaining a supportive relationship with a major industry figure like Salman Khan showcases a nuanced narrative seldom seen in the glitz and glamour of Bollywood.
As fans and critics await the release of “Emergency,” Kangana’s revelations about her professional journeys and personal bonds render a multifaceted view of her life—one marked by bold choices, steadfast beliefs, and unexpected yet heartwarming friendships.
