Chaya Unnikrishnan (DNA; June 4, 2018)

He was 19 when he saw Race and at that time Saqib Saleem never dreamed he will be an actor, forget being a part of the third part of the franchise! So, starting from a small film like Mujshe Fraaandship Karoge to a big-budgeted Race 3, it’s a huge leap for the actor. Needless to mention, there is a lot riding on the movie top lined by Salman Khan. “I am banking a lot on it, to be honest. Every film is important for an actor but for me Race 3 means a lot. It is the biggest film I have done so far. People should not only enjoy it, but also like me,” he admits candidly.

Besides, it will see him in an action avatar for the first time. “Yes, it’s a different kind of film for me. I have never done action, so I had to do action training — kicking and punching workshops, jumps, flips, etc! It was an experience in itself because the last time maine kick maari thi woh shayad school mein thi,” laughs the actor. He also underwent a complete physical transformation, working out rigorously and following a strict diet. “The franchise is about looking good and glamorous — it’s a stylish film, so one has to make sure that if you are in Race, you have to blend into it and look the part. I had to get a ripped body for which I really worked hard,” he says. And, he got an opportunity to showcase his physique. Salman made Saqib go shirtless for a scene! “Yes, there was a sequence which he designed in such a way that I had to remove my shirt. But that was supposed to happen on a beach, so it made sense,” shrugs Saqib. Was it the first time he went shirtless on screen and he clarifies, “No, I have done it in some of my other films, but those probably didn’t reach out to many people. However, with a movie like Race 3 you know it reaches out to everybody in the country. So, yes it puts me out there, I need to make this (film) count.”   

Going ahead, does he see himself fitting into the mould of action entertainers. “Till now, I have dabbled in different genres because I want to see what all I want to do. I have not found my specific calling as such in terms of genre, so I am also figuring out,” he says. But he points out that he enjoyed doing action. “The first scene I shot for the film in Mumbai involved action. It was tricky for me, but once I got into the groove I was fine. I am looking forward to the opening scene of the film, which is action-packed,” he smiles. 

Has he put the failure of his last release Dil Juunglee behind him? “I have been a sportsperson, a state-level cricketer. I have the competitive streak inside me. It’s not important how many times you fall, it’s important that you get up every single time and figure it out. One bad Friday, one bad film doesn’t change anything. One has to believe in oneself and not lose hope,” he signs off.