You read it right! Bollywood hunk Salman Khan is set to follow his father’s footsteps by taking on scriptwriting in his upcoming period film, Veer. The film is set in India during 1850-1900, and Khan is also the male lead in the production.
“There’s nothing unusual about it, since his father, Salim Khan, is a scriptwriter,” says director Anil Sharma. “This is a story he’s [Salman] had in mind for the last twenty years. He wrote the first draft when he wasn’t even an actor.”
However the director says the screenplay is not written by Salman. “My team is writing it,” he reveals.
Dialogues and scripting are currently in the works, as well as the role for leading female. Rumor has it that dazzling Priyanka Chopra as well as Jean Claude Van Damme’s daughter have been approached for the role. However, Sharma confirms, “That’s not true. We haven’t started casting. We’ll be flying to the US to finalise the international casting.”
Reportedly, girlfriend Katrina Kaif is urging the new scriptwriter and leading actor to help launch her sister in the film. But once again Anil confirms, “He won’t decide the casting. He’s an actor and his job ends there.”
When asked about the storyline, the director had his lips sealed. “It’s an interesting musical love story, but it’s too early to talk about it,” he says. “It’ll be released next year. It’s the kind of film that’ll take a year to be made.”
Veer is set to release in August 2009. Look out for Khan in a new avatar. “He’s required to build his body since he plays an Indian gladiator.” Sharma tells us. He also hints, “The title of the film says it all.”
