In Tiger Zinda Hai, besides Salman Khan's Tiger and Katrina Kaif's Zoya, there was another character Azaan Akbar, who wished to hoist the national flag post the success of the joint mission of rescuing nurses held hostage in Syria. The character was played ably by the now based in Mumbai actor Paresh Pahuja. Given that he got to make his Bollywood debut under the banner of Yash Raj Films and with the likes of Salman, Katrina and Ali Abbas Zafar, did he feel intimidated at all? "Not a bit. They all made me feel at home in first 30 seconds," shared Pahuja in an interaction with News18.com.
"They've only added to my confidence at every step- so warm, so welcoming. They wrote beautiful notes as well. I love them for life," he said. The actor, who is full of gratitude and hopeful for a wonderful future, admitted that it felt like a dream and that once Tiger Zinda Hai managed to break the box office records, he couldn't have asked for anything more. Pahuja also shared that before doing a film with Salman, he always wondered why people loved him so much. "Well, I still don't know why he's loved so much. One can't put that in words but there's something esoteric. There's something really spiritual about his presence and I love every bit of that. He makes you a part of his family and takes care of you in all possible ways. I'd love to work with him again."
Despite being a little fearful of making a debut alongside industry biggies, Pahuja felt as if the character was written for him only. "Although I was beyond ecstatic and excited, I did have my reservations too. Because the first film is like a first impression on the entire industry. But when I read the script, I felt like Azaan was written for me and only me. Also, Ali sir patiently answered all my questions and showed immense trust in me. There was no looking back from there," he said. For his role as a sniper, Pahuja had to undergo extensive training. He learned martial arts, hand combat, infantry training apart from other things. "Azaan was called for this mission because he has a special set of skills. He's the best sniper Indian Army has. I had to fall in love with the rifles."
If his acting made viewers take notice of him, his charming smile got women talking about him. And to this, an elated Pahuja said he's always had the lady luck. "Maybe because they see I truly respect them and consider the superior gender. I accredit most of my achievements to women of my life." When asked about specific fan incidents, Pahuja said, "There have been many incidents. I've been getting some lovely paintings, sketches, poetry, and messages. The feeling is overwhelming. They mean the world to me."
The actor now wishes to work with the likes of Aditya Chopra and Raju Hirani. "I've revered Aditya Chopra's work all my life. I'd give an arm and leg to be a part of a DDLJ. Another one, Raju Hirani! I know I'll work with him very soon. It's just faith. But I know for sure I will. He's my God," he said.
Tiger Zinda Hai, which released on December 22, has entered the 300 crore club and is continuing to wow viewers across the country and overseas.
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