Back in 2004, Salman Khan donned the police uniform in Garv: Pride and Honour, taking a step into the intense world of action and justice. While the film may not be remembered with the same frenzy as Dabangg, it marked an important turn in Salman’s filmography. But according to director Puneet Issar, the film almost didn’t happen with him in the lead.
In a recent interview, Puneet shared how Salman initially wasn’t sold on the idea. “Salman and I have been friends for a long time. We worked as actors for a long time. I had told him that I am writing something. He heard the story of Garv and he liked it very much but he told me, ‘Why have you come to me with this?’ He thought that the film was a Sunny Deol genre. Salman never used to do those kind of films.”
At the time, Salman was riding high on the success of romantic and comedy hits. Films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Judwaa, and Biwi No 1 had firmly cemented his image as the charming, fun-loving hero. But Puneet had a different vision. “I told Salman, ‘I want to break your image.’ His image was that of a lover boy, more related to comedy… He was a very big star but I told Salman that he needs to change his image.”
Eventually, Salman Khan agreed to take the plunge. Puneet fondly recalled the experience, saying, “I feel actors are like wild horses, who will only allow those who know how to ride a horse to sit on it. It was a pleasure working with Salman. Yaaron ka yaar hai woh. He totally surrendered to the role.”
Garv went on to feature a strong supporting cast including Shilpa Shetty, Arbaaz Khan, and the legendary Amrish Puri. Though it wasn’t a blockbuster, the film stands today as a crucial stepping stone in Salman’s journey toward becoming Bollywood’s action hero.
