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Irrfan Khan Initially Turned Down Airlift, Recommended Akshay Kumar
Last Updated: January 07, 2025, 08:53 IST
Producer Nikkhil Advani Shares Insights on Casting Decisions
Irrfan Khan, celebrated for his incredible range as an actor, was initially considered for the lead role in the film Airlift. However, he opted out of the project and proposed that Akshay Kumar would be a better fit. Nikkhil Advani, the film’s producer, revealed that Khan believed including Kumar in the cast could secure a larger budget for the film.
Advani recounted the anecdote during an interview with Galatta Plus. He shared that Raja Menon, the director of Airlift, favored Irrfan for the role. After hearing about the meeting being arranged, Khan reportedly told Advani, “Boss, mere sath mat kar ye picture (Don’t do this film with me). It is a fantastic film but don’t do it with me because you will not get the budget. Go to Akshay. You know Akshay.”
Advani then approached Akshay Kumar with a different project which Kumar deemed unworthy. Afterward, Advani pitched Airlift, explaining that Irrfan did not want to participate. To Advani’s surprise, Kumar responded by asking, “Why have you come to me then?” The producer expressed concerns about the serious nature of the film and the need for extensive line memorization and workshops, indicating that Kumar might not be the ideal candidate. Nonetheless, Kumar showed interest and went on to participate in numerous workshops for the role.
Akshay Kumar’s Role in Sky Force
Currently, Akshay Kumar is set to star in Sky Force alongside co-stars Veer Pahariya, Sara Ali Khan, and Nimrat Kaur. This upcoming film is framed against the backdrop of the 1965 India-Pakistan Air War, promising to deliver a blend of intense drama and patriotism. Kumar is expected to portray a complex and intense character, reaffirming his longstanding association with films that highlight national pride.
The trailer for Sky Force depicts Kumar delivering a formidable ultimatum to Pakistan as he prepares to execute India’s inaugural air strike. The high-stakes narrative becomes more gripping as Pahariya’s character goes missing in action during the strike, leaving Kumar convinced that his comrade is still alive and stranded in enemy territory, while the Indian authorities struggle to locate him.
In Conclusion:
Irrfan Khan’s decision to recommend Akshay Kumar not only highlights the collaborative and strategic thinking often involved in casting decisions but also sets the stage for what has become an iconic collaboration in cinematic history. As Kumar takes on new and challenging roles, the legacy of these casting choices continues to resonate within the Indian film industry.
Source
www.news18.com