The war between Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra is taking different turns as the release of Bharat is nearing. The makers and Khan who are going about with their promotions have definitely shed some light on the exit of Priyanka, but in a very disturbing way. In our previous analysis we highlighted on Salman’s obsession to slam nearly anyone who locks horns with him- walking out of a film in this case.
Also a report that suggested Priyanka’s sources revealing that the actress was not willing to work as Salman has punctuality issues and the multi-starrer didn’t impress her as she would get overshadowed. However, Priyanka has never really made a statement post quitting the film.
The Tiger Zinda hai actor was quoted by Bollywood Hungama when he was asked if Priyanka was a wrong cast choice for the role, Salman added, “No, not a wrong cast. But initially, Priyanka was very keen to do this film. Ali (director Ali Abbas Zafar) and we all thought it was Katrina Kaif’s film. But Katrina and I did Tiger Zinda Hai just before that and Ali said that we need a girl who is ‘Hindustani’. I tried telling him, ‘Why can’t she (Katrina) pull off this role? She has been living in India for the last 20 years.’ But then Ali said, ‘Priyanka ka phone aaya tha (we got a call from Priyanka)’ and it is also true that Priyanka and my sister Arpita Khan are good friends. After all this, the ‘Nick story’ happened, the embarrassing thing happened and she chose to get married.”
Now here’s the loophole. Salman clearly channels his bias towards Katrina Kaif. Maybe Priyanka loved the story, but what if she got hinted of being unwanted by her co-star. Would you still go to a party that you’re not welcomed at? This could be one of the reasons, but then again, the marriage was her personal priority.
While revisiting the moment Priyanka called up and told them about her marriage and why she wouldn’t do the film, Salman was asked if he was upset with Priyanka, He said, “This is one of the amazing things Priyanka has done. It is a gutsy thing. She’s worked so hard, I think she’s one of the most hardworking actresses in Bollywood. It is so hard to keep a career live here and there as well. And then, the most important film of her life which would take her perhaps another 10-15 years, that she has refused to get married, I mean then it is an amazing thing!”
Scrutinising the situation from a professional point of view, Salman needs to sit down and ponder upon his statements that are simply missing the mark in 2019- an era where women are free to make their own choices be it work related or personal.
Let’s take a look at the director Ali Abbas Zafar’s filmmaking record. With a line-up of films like Mere Brother Ki Dulhan, Gunday, Sultan, and Tiger Zinda Hai, Ali probably didn’t have much to offer. Priyanka, now a global icon is set out to do more content driven films. Her set includes films like The Sky is Pink, and Ma Anand Sheela- two prominent narratives. It is entirely her choice to not do anything on a commercial level anymore, that too with Salman Khan, courtesy, Tubelight, Tiger Zinda Hai and Race 3 (all tanked at the box office).
As for Salman’s statement on leaving the most important film of her life, it is his illusion that his films are life changing apparently for an actress who is self-made in this industry and made her way to the top without any favours but sheer hard work. Let’s just say she can sleep well thinking that she walked out of Bharat.
