Manoj Desai, the veteran producer of the 1992 classic Khuda Gawah and executive director of G7 Multiplex and Maratha Mandir Cinema, recently shared candid insights on Bollywood’s current landscape in an exclusive interview with Bollywood Hungama. The conversation touched on the underwhelming performance of Salman Khan’s latest Eid release, Sikandar, and Desai’s preferences for casting in a hypothetical new film, revealing a surprising stance on Aamir Khan.
EXCLUSIVE: Manoj Desai dreams of casting Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan for a film; ditches Aamir Khan for THIS reason!
Casting Preferences: Shah Rukh and Salman Yes, Aamir No
When asked who he would cast if producing a film today, Desai was presented with the industry’s biggest names: Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan. Without hesitation, he chose Shah Rukh and Salman. However, he firmly declined to work with Aamir, despite acknowledging his “Mr. Perfectionist” moniker. Desai explained, “Aamir khud ka status rakhta hai (he maintains his own stature). In every story, there’s Aamir’s interference, like in Lagaan. I don’t like that.”
Drawing a contrast, Desai reminisced about his experience on Khuda Gawah, where stars Amitabh Bachchan and Sridevi, who played a double role, worked seamlessly without meddling in the creative process. “They never interfered,” he said.
Coming back to Salman Khan’s Sikandar, directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, hit theatres on Eid 2025 with high expectations, given Khan’s track record with festive releases. However, the action-packed film has struggled to resonate with audiences, crawling past the Rs 100 crores mark globally by its eighth day, a far cry from Salman’s past blockbusters like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).
Desai, whose Gaiety Galaxy theatre has long been a second home to Salman’s films since Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), expressed disappointment over the public’s reaction. He noted that fans felt the film lacked the “real Salman Khan” charm, with many questioning the early exit of the heroine, played by Rashmika Mandanna.
Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Urvashi Rautela expresses her wish, “I want to work with Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan”
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