Kabir Khan Reveals Challenges Faced by Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif in "Ek Tha Tiger"

The dynamic duo of Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif has been the subject of much speculation in Bollywood circles. Over the years, they have delivered numerous blockbusters, including hits like “Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya” and “Partner.” However, their collaboration in the 2012 action-packed thriller “Ek Tha Tiger” posed unique challenges, according to director Kabir Khan.

Salman and Katrina in a still from the film.

In a preview of casting director Mukesh Chhabra’s upcoming talk show “The Bombay Dreams,” Kabir Khan opened up about the complexities of casting Salman and Katrina together in a film immediately after their reported breakup. Kabir Khan revealed that Katrina had already been signed for the role of Zoya before Salman was approached for the titular role of Tiger, also known as Avinash Singh Rathore. During this phase, the director noted that the two stars “weren’t that comfortable” with each other.

The breakup between Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif occurred in 2010, with Katrina acknowledging Salman as her first serious relationship in a 2011 interview with Cosmopolitan magazine. Interestingly, this revelation came at a time when the two were actively involved in the filming of “Ek Tha Tiger.”

“Ek Tha Tiger” marked the inception of the Tiger franchise, followed by “Tiger Zinda Hai” in 2017 and “Tiger 3” in 2023. While Ali Abbas Zafar directed the 2017 installment, “Tiger 3” was helmed by Maneesh Sharma, becoming Salman Khan’s biggest opener upon its release in November 2023. The third film sees Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif reprising their roles as Avinash Singh Rathore (Tiger) and Zoya, with Emraan Hashmi portraying the antagonist Aatish Rehman. Additionally, Shah Rukh Khan made a cameo appearance in the film, consolidating the Tiger franchise within the YRF Spy Universe alongside other titles like Hrithik Roshan’s “War” and Shah Rukh Khan’s “Pathaan.”

Amidst these revelations, Katrina Kaif, last seen in “Merry Christmas,” awaits the release of Farhan Akhtar’s “Jee Le Zaraa,” further adding to her diverse portfolio in Bollywood.