Ten years after its release, Bajrangi Bhaijaan continues to hold a special place in Bollywood history. As fans celebrate the film’s 10th anniversary, director Kabir Khan reflected on the journey of creating the emotional drama and shared how the film deeply touched not just audiences but also the cast.
Kabir Khan recently revealed that Kareena Kapoor Khan was in tears after hearing the script for the first time. “I told her upfront: it’s a small role, but you should hear the entire narration. By the time she did, she was in tears and said she absolutely wanted to be a part of it,” Kabir shared in a new interview. Though Kareena’s screen time was limited, her emotional investment was evident from the start, and it translated beautifully on screen.
The director also spoke about how Salman Khan was always the perfect fit for the lead role of Pavan, the kind-hearted Bajrangi. “I had done Ek Tha Tiger with Salman, and I knew that Bajrangi reflected a part of who he is. His values, his emotions it all felt real with him. He was the heart of the story,” Kabir explained. According to him, the film’s sincerity came from the fact that the character and actor shared similar values of compassion and humanity.
Kabir also mentioned that writer V. Vijayendra Prasad had initially approached Aamir Khan for the project. “It was actually Aamir who suggested Salman’s name, saying he’d be the right choice for Bajrangi,” Kabir revealed.
Looking back, Kabir Khan believes the magic of Bajrangi Bhaijaan came from the pure emotions and strong belief behind its storytelling. “It was a film made with heart,” he said, adding that the love it continues to receive even after 10 years is a reminder of how powerful honest cinema can be.