Sultan Clocks a Decade: Ali Abbas Zafar Recalls Salman's Casting

As the wrestling drama Sultan reaches its ten-year milestone, director Ali Abbas Zafar has shared behind-the-scenes insights into the film’s production. Released in 2016, the movie was a massive commercial success, grossing over ₹600 crore and cementing its place in Bollywood history. Zafar emphasized that Salman Khan was the project's singular choice, noting that he and his team were prepared to proceed with the film only if the actor agreed to lead the project.

Reflecting on the casting, Zafar recalled that Salman Khan accepted the role within just 15 minutes of the script pitch. The director also addressed the casting of Anushka Sharma, describing how initial professional awkwardness between the leads eventually smoothed over to create the film’s iconic onscreen chemistry. Zafar noted that while Salman can seem intimidating to those who do not know him well, the actor's professional focus was instrumental in the film's success.

The film, which follows the life of a Haryanvi wrestler, is widely regarded as a benchmark for sports dramas in Indian cinema. Beyond its commercial earnings, Sultan is celebrated for its narrative depth and the physical transformation of its lead. Zafar expressed appreciation for the collaborative experience and teased the possibility of reuniting with the actor for a fourth collaboration, provided that a script worthy of their partnership materializes in the future.