Salman Khan to produce film on education

In 3 Idiots (2009), Aamir Khan did a commentary on the Indian education system. Now, Salman Khan too is set to highlight its loopholes by acting in and producing actor-filmmaker Mahesh Manjrekar's Hindi remake of his Marathi hit, Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho (2010). 

Manjrekar confirms "Yes, Salman is very keen to produce the film. And I am going to make the Hindi remake in due time. Let him get free from his other assignments, then we will sit together and work out details."

Apparently, Salman loved the film's idea and immediately jumped at the offer of being a part of the Hindi version.

Last year, rumours suggested that Manjrekar was finding it extremely difficult to pin Salman down to watch the Marathi original. In fact, the Astitva (2000) director had arranged for a special screening of the film only for him, but the star failed to turn up at the last minute. Soon enough, it led to talks that the film was shelved.

But Manjrekar claims that now, Shikshanachya Aaicha Gho will be made under Salman's Being Human banner. And the proceeds of the movie will entirely go towards the actor's charity foundation. Although the deal is yet to be confirmed, Salman is likely to play father to two kids in the film.

Although Manjrekar refuses to put a deadline to it, the film can only start later next year. The reason: after Bodyguard, Salman is set to start Yash Raj Films' Ek Tha Tiger with Katrina Kaif, followed by Sher Khan and Dabangg 2, which will be directed by his brothers, Sohail and Arbaaz respectively.

At the same time, Kangna Ranaut's name is doing the rounds for the female lead in the remake. But Manjrekar isn't amused.

"I don't know where such stories are coming from. The female lead isn't finalised yet. We will see how things work out when discussions take place," says the National Award-winning filmmaker.

For the past few years, Salman and Manjrekar have been bonding a lot. In fact, the latter has been acting largely in Salman's films. After Ready (2011) and Dabangg (2010), he will be seen in the upcoming Bodyguard too.

"Yes, I have been working with Salman because I can't say no to him. He is a dear friend and a genuine person," he smiles.

Apart from Bodyguard, Manjrekar — who is currently excited about his latest Marathi production Fakta Ladh Mhana — has given up on acting entirely: "Nowadays, I'm not really interested in acting assignments because no one is going to offer me author-backed roles. So, I'd rather stay behind the camera."