Bollywood actress and superstar Priyanka Chopra was the first choice for Ali Abbas Zafar and superstar Salman Khan’s ambitious venture Bharat. But due to her marriage with American singer NicK Jonas ( then citing engagement) she pulled out of the film.

It paved the for the entry of Katrina Kaif. Opening up on the film in an interview to Mid-Day, Katrina stated that she had taken up the project purely on the basis of her relationship with Salman Khan and director Ali Abbas Zafar and that it was a professional decision.

Bharat, an official adaptation of the 2014 South Korean drama Ode To My Father, is the sixth collaboration between Katrina and Salman. The duo earlier featured in Blockbusters – Ek Tha Tiger ( 2012) Directed By Kabir Khan and the sequel later – Tiger Zinda Hai ( 2017) Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar.

“Ali and I are good friends, but when it comes to work, we are completely honest with each other. I read the script from start to finish in three hours and immediately called him to tell him that I loved it. I realised there was an opportunity of going the extra mile with this character. So, it had nothing to do with my friendship with Salman or Ali. In fact, Salman did not even call me after I signed the film. We met directly on the set,” quipped Katrina.

Talking about working with the superstar, Katrina said, “We share a comfort level, which has developed over the years. He loves to entertain the audience. He is a simple person in real life, and he approaches his films the way he approaches life.”