Ghajini was not for Salman Khan: AR Muragadoss

Ghajini is getting appreciated all around the world for Aamir Khan’s knockout performance and Muragadoss’s superb direction. It is surprising to know that Aamir had initially thought Salman is the best person to do the lead role in Ghajini.

Murgadoss says, “Actually, when I was making the Tamil version of the film by the same name, it was Pradeep Rawat (who plays the main villain in both the versions and also happens to be Aamir’s close friend) who recommended that I approach Aamir to star in the Hindi version of the film.

However, at that time I didn’t take it seriously as I thought that Aamir was a chocolate hero, and, hence, he wouldn’t suit the role. But after the release of the Tamil version of the film, I got a call from Aamir himself saying he had watched the film and that he really liked it.

With the confidence that I got from this, I immediately approached Aamir to do the film. Aamir was a bit reluctant initially. I remember him saying “The perfect person for this role in Bollywood is Salman Khan”.

However, I managed to convince him saying that if Salman did the film it would be just another Salman movie. But if he did it, then it would give a different perspective to the film and story.”

He says Aamir left the entire film to him and did not interfere in his work, “Contrary to what you say, Aamir was not at all involved in the making of the film. Not even once did he ever interfere with the filming. In fact, he said that he wanted the film in entirely my taste and that if I had any problems with the language or anything else, only then should I call him in.”

Talking about Aamir’s perfectionism he says,

“For Aamir to be called as a perfectionist is seriously an understatement. He is so very observant and hard working, that rarely have I seen anybody like him. The dedication level that he has for whatever he does is insanely high.

Even to get into his much-talked about physique, he had worked out for 3 to 4 hours a day. I have worked with Surya who in the south is considered to be the best, but Aamir is way better than him…he is simply in a league of his own.”

Indeed!