Salman romancing with 31 yrs younger Rashmika in 'Sikandar'

Mumbai, Mar. 25: Bollywood star Salman Khan on Sunday took a jibe at those who talk about the 31-year age gap between him and his "Sikandar" co-star Rashmika Mandanna, asking if the heroine doesn't have a problem with it, why do social media users.

Directed by AR Murugadoss, "Sikandar" is slated to be released in theatres on March 30 at the festival of Eid. Salman, who launched the trailer of the upcoming film on Sunday, arrived at the event amid heavy security. 

"They say there is a 31-year difference between the heroine and me. If the heroine doesn't have any problem or the heroine's father doesn't have any problem, then why do you have a problem?" 

"And when she (Rashmika) gets married and has a daughter and then she becomes a big star then also we will work (together). We will get the mother (Rashmika)'s permission for sure," the superstar told reporters here.

Salman, 59, also heaped praises on Rashmika, 28, saying he admires the "Pushpa" star for her determination.

"She has given her best. She used to finish shooting 'Pushpa 2' at 7 pm and would join us at 9 pm, and would work till 6.30 in the morning and go back to work on 'Pushpa 2'. Then after breaking her leg, she continued shooting with us and didn't cancel a single day of shoot. She reminds me a lot of younger me," he added. Mandanna said working with Salman is a big opportunity for her.

"I'm excited for you guys to watch the film and I hope you all like it. I got this opportunity to work with Salman, sir. As in what can get bigger than that?," the actor, who has achieved success in Bollywood with films such as "Animal" and "Ch... "Chhaava", said. The actor, who predominantly features in Telugu and Kannada movies, said she has been an admirer of Murugadoss' films.

"I've always wanted to work with Murugadoss, sir. I entered the industry around eight years ago, but I've been watching Sir's work way before I got into the industry. But watching him do his films is so incredibly beautiful.

"It has got so much emotion. It's messy. I wanted to work with sir and I got this opportunity today.

 I'm honoured," she added. For Murugadoss, known for "Ghajini", "Thuppakki", and "Spyder", working with Salman in "Sikandar" was a -come-true moment. Recalling his first encounter with the superstar, the filmmaker said he met Salman on a movie set years ago before becoming a director.

"As I entered the set, I was not aware of what the shoot was about. It was all dark and suddenly Sridevi ma'am came and then I saw the hero, he was combing (his hair)." "I was trying to see who the hero was and he was none other than Salman sir. But the security guard stopped me from going forward to meet him. Later, I thought one day, I would direct him in a film. After so many years, I directed him in this film," Murugadoss added.(PTI)