Racing Ahead

Saqib Saleem Is Back on the Fast-track With Race 3 

- Suman Sharma

Salman Khan’s blockbuster Race 3 has brought Saqib Saleem back into the game. Directed by Remo D’Souza, the action thriller featured him with Salman, Anil Kapoor and Bobby Deol. “I’m lucky to have worked with Prem (Salman), Mr. India (Anil) and Soldier (Bobby),” says the fan boy, who cherishes the iconic roles of senior actors. He adds,“I idolise them. There is so much to learn and imbibe from them. You can improve your craft by just watching these guys perform. I was like a student on the set.”

Saqib wasn’t nervous working with Salman Khan. He however was anxious working with Anil Kapoor, who has been part of the Race franchise. “Anil sir was acquainted with the franchise. While, we had to fit in. He’s such a livewire on the set. He has the energy and passion of a kid. My seniors kept me on my toes. I had to match up to them,” he smiles.

He was on top of the world when he came to know that he’d be part of Salman Khan’s Race 3. “The way Salman Bhai welcomed me in his world is something else.” He gushes,“He makes the whole process of shooting so enjoyable. He’s a secure actor. He was involved with our characters as well. He took care of everyone and put us at ease.” Like many others, he too was left impressed by Salman’s generosity. Says he, “Before he sat down for his meal, he’d send someone to check whether every person present on the set had eaten. If not, that person was invited to join Bhai.”

Through the making of Race 3, he grew close to Bobby as well. “We’d play cricket together. We began working out together when we were shooting in Abu Dhabi. We began enjoying it so much that now, threefour times a week, I visit Bobby’s house and we work out on his terrace.”