Producer Ramesh Taurani recently addressed rumours of a rift with Saif Ali Khan after he decided to cast Salman Khan instead of him in the hit franchise Race 3. Taurani also revealed why he approached Salman Khan for Race 3.
Ramesh Taurani said on Saif Ali Khan not being in Race 3
Taurani and Saif worked together on the Race franchise, which was one of his highest-grossing films. In an interview with Shoshaa, the producer admitted that Saif’s market value was not right for the budget of Race 3, which led him to approach Salman Khan for the project.
The Ishq Vishk producer revealed that Saif was “upset” with the decision, but they later sorted out their differences.
“Race 2 is still his biggest hit. But after that, the poor guy gave several flops and Race is an expensive franchise, so it didn’t make sense to cast him in Race 3. It was a business decision, not a personal one. He is a very good actor,” Taurani told PTI.
Ramesh Taurani talks about his relationship with Saif Ali Khan
When asked about their long collaboration, the producer recalled that he had first worked with Khan in the film Kachche Dhaage.
He revealed that the actor was initially not selected for ‘Kya Kehna’. The role was initially meant for Mukul Dev, but he couldn’t come on the first day of filming.
Around 11am, a production member called them to inquire about their whereabouts, and they claimed they were on their way. Another call in the afternoon revealed they were outside RK Studios, but they eventually did not turn up.
The veteran producer recalled that he had met Khan for the same project when Mukul did not turn up. Khan liked the script, but Taurani raised three concerns. First, Saif was replacing Mukul Dev. Second, the shoot was to begin the next day. Third, Saif would have to organise his own wardrobe.
Taurani said that Saif knew that if he refused, the role would go to another actor. Luckily Saif was available and he also had the necessary suits.
On Saif Ali Khan’s work front
On the work front, Khan is currently shooting for his next film Jewel Thief. Pinkvilla was the first to report that Saif and Jaideep Ahlawat are working together on an action-thriller and Siddharth Anand is producing the film under his banner Marflix.
Also read: Jewel Thief: Saif Ali Khan, Kunal Kapoor and Siddharth Anand chilling together after wrapping up Budapest schedule; Photos
