BOMBAY TIMES (September 17, 2018)

Last month, Salman Khan announced that he would be launching newcomer Zaheer Iqbal in a film directed by Nitin Kakkar. The leading lady of the project hadn’t been finalised then, but now the wait is over. Salman has chosen Pranutan Bahl to star opposite Zaheer. Pranutan is the granddaughter of legendary actress Nutan and daughter of actor Mohnish Bahl.

According to people connected with the film, the decision to cast Pranutan happened by chance. Director Nitin Kakkar had auditioned over 100 new faces for the role, but wasn’t particularly happy with anyone. Then one day, he chanced upon pictures of Pranutan on the internet. When he and the producers of the film (Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde) shared Pranutan’s photographs with Salman (who is also producing the film), even he was impressed. Post that, a meeting happened where they discovered that she was interested in movies. She auditioned for the role and Nitin found the girl he was looking for.

For Salman, this is also an emotional moment. He and Mohnish have been friends even before they worked together in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). In fact, Salman lovingly addresses Mohnish as ‘Monya’ even today. Life has come a full circle as the superstar is now launching his close friend’s daughter on the big screen.

Interestingly, Pranutan is a qualified lawyer and has interned at some of the most prestigious law firms in Mumbai. She shares, “When I got to know about this film and read the script, I knew this would be a dream debut for me. Films were always my calling.”

Salman is also very happy that he is getting a chance to launch her. “Pranutan has a great legacy. I can assure you that she will make everyone proud,” he says. The film goes on floors later this month and will be shot entirely in Kashmir.

Salman Khan Films presents a Cine1 Studios Production. The film is produced by Salman Khan Films, Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde.
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Nutan's grand-daughter Pranutan Bahl opens up for the first time about her debut film
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 17, 2018)

Bollywood has been abuzz with rumours that Pranutan Bahl, granddaughter of the legendary star Nutan and daughter of Mohnish Bahl, is set to follow in her illustrious family's footsteps. It is not surprising that Salman Khan, a close friend of Mohnish, has taken the youngster under his wing.

In an exclusive chat with mid-day, Pranutan says, "I turned emotional when I heard Salman sir is launching me. I hugged my parents and my sister; I will always cherish that moment." The aspiring actor will feature opposite newcomer Zaheer Iqbal in a romance drama that will be produced by Salman Khan Films (SKF), Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde.

Given her impressive lineage - Pranutan is also the niece of Bollywood's leading actor Kajol - she is aware of the sky-high expectations that surrounds her foray into movies. Undeterred by the inevitable comparisons that will follow, she says, "My parents have taught me to be honest to my work. I know that there will be certain expectations. I promise to work hard to garner the same love and admiration that the audiences showered on my grandmother and father."

With less than a month to go before the Nitin Kakkar-directed film goes on floors in Kashmir, Pranutan, 22, shows no signs of nervousness that, more often than not, accompany a rank newcomer's first brush with acting. "I always knew movies were my calling. I did believe that completing my education up to a certain point was important. But I knew that I would end up in films," she smiles.