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Subhash K Jha (DNA; August 31, 2015)

Salman Khan has personally edited Sooraj Pancholi-Athiya Shetty’s launch vehicle Hero and removed 29 minutes of footage from director Nikhil Advani’s edited version. Rather than sulk over perceived producer interference, Advani has welcomed Salman’s inputs.

Nikhil says, “In fact, I insisted that Salman sit on the editing with me. I knew his involvement with the editing would add immensely to the end-product. And I was right. Salman has turned Hero into another entity altogether.”

The director believes that his producer has an impeccable sense of narration. “Salman knows exactly what should stay and what should go. Every suggestion of his made sense. I incorporated all the cuts he asked me to. I’ve no qualms admitting Salman Khan has given the final shape to his film.”

Rumours of Salman turning director have been rife for quite a while now. Salman’s contribution to Dabangg and Dabangg 2 has earlier been acknowledged by his brother Arbaaz, who produced both films and let Salman take charge unofficially.

Is the time right for Salman to turn director now? “Why now? I think Salman should’ve directed a film 10 years ago. I am very lucky to have Salman on board for Hero and Aamir Khan for Katti Batti,” says Advani, who first got a chance to bond with Salman when the director made Salaam-E-Ishq with him.