Now it can be told! As the filmy adage goes, ‘role role par likkha hai, adaa karnewale ka naam’, where destiny casts its dicey twist. According to insiders and cine trade sources, the script of mega-hit Bollywood movie ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ was first offered ‘three years ago’ to film-maker Rakesh Roshan by the story-writer V. Vijayendra Prasad. Apparently, the Roshan camp was maha-impressed with the script and Rakesh decided to produce and direct it.
Meanwhile, there came a stumbling block when Prasad insisted that he would “co-produce” the movie. Which was not acceptable to Rakesh who even offered to “buy” the script at an astronomical price. Because even star-hero son Hrithik heard the ‘narration’ and was equally enthused. But Prasad was “unwilling” to part with the script on the terms offered to him. Subsequently Prasad got in touch with Salman Khan and director Kabir Khan who were charged with excitement on hearing the subject.
But this time, along with Salman, ‘Bajrangi...’ co-produced by Bangalore based Kannada eminent producer-actor ‘Rockline’ Venkatesh (of Rajnikanth-starrer ‘Lingaa’ fame). Hardcore loyal Hrithik fans are feeling sorry for him, that he narrowly missed out on such a fabulous opportunity. Interestingly, off-screen Hrithik considers sinewy Salman as a ‘mentor’ because the latter had diligently supervised his coaching in body-building and fitness regimes, before he started out as an actor in the year 2000, with his sensational super-hit debut movie ‘Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai’ .
Incidentally, V Vijayendra Prasad is the father of S S Rajamouli who directed the original Telugu version of the spectacular hit ‘Baahubali’ . So ‘BB’ (which also stands for box-office bonanza) seems to be their money-spinner ‘mascot’ letters for the Prasad camp when it concerns both their movies!