Mumbai, Aug 24 : Salman Khan is one of the biggest and most bankable Bollywood superstars today but there was a time when the actor' confidence was a bit shaky. It was around the making of his debut as a lead in 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' when Salman was a bit under-confident about headlining a big ticket film. The actor always pictured his friends Jackie Shroff or Anil Kapoor in the roles that were narrated to him.

Jackie or Anil were the biggest of the stars in the 1980s having worked together on several films like 'Ram Lakhan', 'Karma', 'Parinda' and others so, it was natural for Salman to picture them as the headliners for event films.

In an old interview, Salman recalled a moment from the shoot of the famous song 'Kabootar Ja Ja' which brought tears to his eyes. He said, 'I was about 18 years old, and there was a truly memorable moment during the shoot for the song 'Kabootar Ja Ja Ja' when I suddenly knew that this was the role for me'.

'Maine Pyaar Kiya', which established Salman as a star, re-released in theatres on August 23, and is sure to bring a plethora of nostalgia to relish.

For the casting of the lead Vindu Dara Singh, Deepak Tijori, and Faraaz Khan auditioned for the role of Prem. While Faraaz Khan, son of the actor Yusuf Khan who played the villainous Zabisco in 'Amar Akbar Anthony', was almost finalised for the role, but he was replaced at the last minute due to health issues. The role eventually went to Salman Khan, and earned him commercial success.

'During several narrations, I'd imagine Jackie Shroff or Anil Kapoor in those roles, but I could never actually see myself doing big films. That moment was the first time I really felt, 'Yes, I can do this'. I had tears in my eyes', the actor added.

The film, which was released on December 29, 1989, saved the production house Rajshri Productions, which was on the verge of closing down.

Meanwhile, Salman will be next seen in 'Sikandar'. The film, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, and directed by AR Murugadoss is set to release on Eid 2025.

/IANS