Satish Kaushik on reuniting with Salman Khan in Bharat and plans for Tere Naam 2

In Salman Khan’s recently released Bharat, Satish Kaushik plays the role of a Merchant Navy captain. The actor-director says he had fun portraying a comical naval officer with a speech defect. “My character, Captain Singh, talks very fast. He thinks he is coherent, while in truth, no one understands what he is saying. It's a funny, quirky role. I had never played an army or naval character before.”

On his experience of shooting for the film, Kaushik adds they filmed his portions on a real ship in Malta. “I had a great time working on the high seas with Ali and Salman. Ali is my junior from Kirori Mal College in Delhi University. He is a fine director who knows his craft.” 

Kaushik had directed Salman in the 2003 cult hit, Tere Naam. Recent reports claimed the filmmaker is planning to reboot the franchise with a new sequel. “Someone asked me a question about Tere Naam 2 and so I told them it is happening. I do have an idea for the sequel but that's about it. Hopefully, by the end of this year, I will have something ready.”

Kaushik’s upcoming directorial venture is Kaagaz, a biographical drama about a man declared dead by government records. The film is produced by Salman Khan Films and stars Pankaj Tripathi in the lead role. “The present era is the best time for the film industry because now you can make a film on any subject. Kaagaz is my effort to compete with the younger generations who are making these wonderful films,” says Kaushik, who recently forayed into regional cinema by presenting the empowerment-themed Haryanvi film Choriyan Choron Se Kam Nahi Hoti. 

On the acting front, the thespian will next be seen in Mental Hai Kya, co-starring Kangana Ranaut and Rajkummar Rao.