Salman-Kabir
Nayandeep Rakshit (DNA; April 25, 2017)

Salman Khan has always maintained that his father Salim is his biggest critic. In his interviews, the actor has spoken about being his father giving his opinion on his films. And he added that his dad’s feedback always mirrored the audience’s reactions to his film.

Kabir Khan, who directs Salman in Tubelight, feels the same way about the veteran writer, and makes it a point to show him his films before anyone else and did the same with Tubelight. Says Kabir, “I showed him the first cut. He came out of the edit room and without saying a word, gave me a big, tight hug. Need I say more?”

As it turns out, Salim’s inputs worked for Bajrangi Bhaijaan as well. It was his idea to exclude the end-credits dance track Aaj Ki Party from the final cut. Papa Khan says, “I told Kabir to not put the song at the end of Bajrangi Bhaijaan because it was diluting the impact of the film.” He confirms having watched Tubelight and calls it “a beautiful film” and adds, “Kabir has made it well.”

On the other hand, Kabir is grateful to Salim Khan for being a great support while developing the story. “I always make it a point to narrate the script to him before I start filming. How many people have the privilege of getting a living legend to doctor their script? He has always come up with invaluable inputs for me. For Tubelight, too, he gave me a few pointers that made the screenplay better,” reveals Kabir.

In fact, the catchline in the posters — Kya Tumhe Yakeen Hai — is actually his brainchild. But Salim doesn’t like to take credit for it completely. “We were all discussing it and it is always a team effort,” says the star father modestly.