LoveYatri (earlier titled LoveRatri) has been mired in controversy for the last few days. Hindu groups have alleged that the earlier title was offensive to the festival of Navratri and that the trailer depicted it in a vulgar manner. Even the title change doesn’t seem to have gone down well with these groups saying that it’s still offensive. “No problem, we’ll change it again,” says Salman in his usual irreverent self.
“We went to the Censor Board as well. They agreed that we were only celebrating the nature of the festival and not diminishing it in anyway. So they said don’t change the title, add a tag line. I said if they have raised a concern, that means there is an issue” he added.
Salman is also launching his brother-in-law Aayush Sharma with the film, at a time when the debate on nepotism is at its peak.
He also said that someone could be extremely good looking, dance well and even be a good actor but still not succeed. Sometimes certain people endear themselves to an audience and have that X-factor which can make them successful. That seems to have been the case with Salman as well, because his audience has remained rock solid in spite of the ups and downs in his career and personal life.
Salman has mentored several aspiring actors over the years including Katrina Kaif, Arjun Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha and now Aayush Sharma. Some have gone on to have a great run while some have had middling careers. “Its really unpredictable this place, you never really know who can make it. Sohail and Arbaaz didn’t make it as actors, but of course they’re doing well in direction and production. But its really up to your destiny,” says Salman.
Ask him if there’s any advice he gives to the people he launches and he says, “Don’t play any games is all I tell them and be very patient. That’s all.”
Remembering the time when he made his debut, Salman had this to say,
LoveYatri has already generated a lot of buzz thanks to the controversy and also its foot-tapping music. The fate of the film however remains to be seen.
LoveYatri starring debutants Aayush Sharma and Warina Hussain releases on 5th October.
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