Riteish Deshmukh reminisces his friendship with Salman Khan

Riteish Deshmukh is one person who has been there and done it all. With his next, ‘Bangistan’ which is a satirical humor on terrorism releasing shortly, he finds his filmy journey very fruitful.

On his journey: Riteish says, “I am glad that I am getting a variety of roles now. There was Ek Villain, Humshakals or Lai Bhari. I am glad and it's happening at the right time. If I had got this role eight years ago maybe I would not have performed it so well. To cast me as a villain was really surprising. I couldn't believe it. I have completed a decade I never thought I would get a second film and I am here. My satisfaction is not in comparison to work. I have done romantic films, comedy, playing a villain, working with the biggest actors in multi-starrers and doing solo leads. It's been a great journey and it was fun. It’s like I got into a mall shopping for the whole day long. I was a trained interior designer but I got one film and thereafter I am here for the past ten years.”

His equation with Salman Khan: “Salman is a sweetheart. I have not done movies with him. The only time I did a scene with him was Lai Bhari because he insisted. I would love to work with him some day. My brother was contesting elections in 2009 and he called up once to say that he wanted to campaign for my brother. He knows my brother and father but doesn't campaign for everyone as he is not party centric. Everyone will have a Salman story to narrate in the industry.

Reminiscing the time he was introduced to Salman Khan: Riteish says: “Surprisingly, Katrina introduced me to Salman at Olive. I knew her and she was with Salman, we became friends after that. It's been ten years. Relationships depend on people and how you take it forward.”

Lastly and most importantly about Grand Masti: Riteish adds, “I was in London so I didn't get time to watch the film. We have done a great shoot now. It's half way done. When the promo will be released you will say Oh My God.”

By Lipika Varma