Salman Khan’s 2009 actioner Wanted revived the actor’s dangling career post the lukewarm responses to his films like Yuvvraaj (2008) and Hello (2008) and projected the star as a mass hero. The film featured Ayesha Takia as Salman’s love interest in the film. This was the first time that both of them were paired opposite each other and their chemistry was also appreciated. However, the film’s producer Boney Kapoor recently revealed that Salman had suggested Katrina Kaif’s name for Ayesha’s role in the film.
Wanted was the Hindi remake of Puri Jagannadh's 2006 Telugu blockbuster Pokiri. Boney felt Salman would be the perfect fit for the role of Radhe, also known as Rajveer Shekhavat.
In an interview with Rediff, Boney stated that he tried to get Salman to watch the original film. “I wanted him to see the film and had arranged two preview shows, but because of his hectic schedule, Salman couldn't make it.”
“I was worried that the Tamil remake would release, and if it was as big a hit as the original, another Bollywood actor or producer would evince an interest in the Hindi remake rights, and like with Ghajini, I would lose out on Pokiri too,” he added.
Salman eventually watched Pokiri and agreed to do Wanted. The film was directed by Prabhu Deva.
Boney further mentioned, “Salman suggested Katrina Kaif's name for the role of the heroine in Wanted. But since the character is initially ambivalent about her feelings for Radhe, I reasoned that it would be better if we cast an actress who had never been paired with him before.”
They considered several names, including Genelia D'Souza, before settling on Ayesha Takia.
“Many say Wanted was Salman's comeback film,” Boney said.
Salman was recently seen in the Saudi Arabian action film 7 Dogs. The actor is awaiting the release of his war-drama Maatrubhumi. He also has Vamshi Paidipally’s SVC 63, also starring Nayanthara, in the pipeline.
