Kabir Khan reflects on the challenge of casting Salman and Katrina for 'Ek Tha Tiger' amid their breakup

In a revelation that adds a fascinating layer to the Bollywood blockbuster "Ek Tha Tiger," director Kabir Khan recently shared insights into the casting dynamics of the film, highlighting the unique challenge of approaching Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, who were going through a publicized breakup at the time.

In a teaser for an upcoming podcast with casting director Mukesh Chhabra, Kabir Khan reflected on the delicate situation during the casting process for "Ek Tha Tiger." He mentioned that Katrina Kaif had already been signed for the role of Zoya when they approached Salman Khan. The director acknowledged the discomfort in the situation, given the personal history between the two actors at that time.

The 2012 release "Ek Tha Tiger" marked the beginning of what has now evolved into the YRF Spy Universe. Despite the

challenges in casting, the film became a massive success, laying the foundation for an expansive franchise. The YRF Spy Universe has since witnessed the release of three films from the "Tiger" franchise, including "Tiger Zinda Hai" in 2017 and "War" in 2019.

The interconnected universe took a significant leap in 2023 with the release of "Pathaan," featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, and John Abraham. The film incorporated a cameo from Salman Khan's Tiger, solidifying the bonds within the cinematic universe. The post-credit scene of "Tiger 3" further teased Hrithik Roshan's Kabir's official entry into the universe.

The YRF Spy Universe continues to expand with the highly anticipated "War 2," scheduled for release on August 14, 2025. The film, featuring Hrithik Roshan, Jr. NTR, and Kiara Advani, is poised to propel the narrative of the cinematic universe forward.

As fans eagerly anticipate the next installment, the YRF Spy Universe promises to deliver more thrills and interconnected storytelling in the years to come.