MUMBAI: Popular Bollywood actor Salman Khan made his debut as a movie writer Friday (22nd January 2010) as his dream project “Veer” - meaning brave - hit screens across the country.
Described by its makers as an “epic love story of a warrior”, it is a film that has been in the making for more than two decades.
The mega-scale period drama is the brainchild of Khan who also plays the lead role in the movie.
The 44-year-old actor plays a tribal Pindari soldier leading a revolt against the British in the film set in 1857.
The project in the actor’s own words has been a “long and hard journey”.
“I am very tired promoting this film, tomorrow the film will be released and the audience will decide whether the film is a hit or flop, just waiting for the reaction,” he says.
Khan spent months learning horse riding to play the part of a warrior and also started blogging to promote the film.
On Friday, Khan arranged a special screening of the movie for poor and underprivileged children in Mumbai and entertained his young fans.
“Veer” has been directed by Anil Sharma and marks the big screen debut of newcomer Zarine Khan, who plays a Rajasthani princess.
“I would just say that go to the theatre near you and watch Veer. We have done lot of hard work, I just hope you all appreciate it and like it,” she says.
Shot extensively in Rajasthan and London, “Veer” is a story set in colonial India.
In a story of treachery and love, Veer avenges his father’s dishonour and wins the love of princess Yashodhara, his enemy’s daughter.
The film used thousands of real horses and other animals to recreate the period it is set in.
Other actors in the cast include Sohail Khan, Jackie Shroff and Mithun Chakraborty.
The producer of this movie is Vijay Galani and the music is given by Sajid-Wajid.
Khan, who has played a slew of macho roles in Hindi-language films, was sentenced in April 2006 to five years in prison for poaching a rare buck in a desert wildlife preserve in 1998.
He has denied any involvement in the incident.
The eldest son of famous Bollywood scriptwriter Salim Khan, he became a household name with his second film “Maine Pyar Kiya” or “I Have Loved” in 1989, followed by one of the biggest hits of the 1990s, “Hum Aapke Hain Kaun,” or “What Am I To You.”
Khan’s last action movie ‘ Wanted ‘ was a major success at box office. AGENCIES
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