World Cup readies Salman for Bodyguard

Salman Khan only watched last few games of the cricket tournament to observe bodyguards standing by VVIPs Sonia Gandhi, Manmohan Singh, Rahul Gandhi, to perfect role in the film.

While most of Bollywood was cheering for Team India in the VIP stands during the crucial matches of the World Cup, Salman Khan was no where to be seen.

HT Image

But the actor, who doesn’t enjoy watching cricket that much, didn’t take his eyes off the screen during the semi-final and final matches of the tournament. Not for the game, but to observe the bodyguards who stood vigilant around VVIP personalities like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Manmohan Singh present in such high tension situations.

Salman, who will soon be seen in Bodyguard, the Hindi remake of a Malayalam film of the same name, was preparing for his character in the movie.

“He’s not a frantic cricket buff, but he didn’t miss a second of the India-Pakistan match,” says Atul Agnihotri, the actor’s brother-in-law and the producer of the film. “He wanted to watch the body language of the SPG (Special Protection Groups), who have been trained to track their clients in crowded areas like cricket stadiums.”

Due to release around Eid, the film will see Salman play the role of co-star Kareena Kapoor’s bodyguard and security officer. “They are trained to blend in. But the protection part is all eye play,” adds Agnihotri.

After watching the professionals on the job, the actor apparently, made subtle changes in his character. According to reports, Khan will be seen wearing what his personal bodyguard Shera is usually seen in. The director of the original Malayalam film, Siddhique, will helm the remake.