Daisy Shah Recalls Rejecting Salman Khan’s Bodyguard Offer
Daisy Shah, known for her Bollywood debut alongside Salman Khan in the 2014 film Jai Ho, recently opened up about a difficult moment in her career when she had to decline an offer from the superstar. In a candid interview, the actress revealed that she once turned down Salman Khan’s film Bodyguard, and the atmosphere afterward became intensely awkward.
Preparing for the Tough Conversation
Daisy admitted that saying no to Salman was not an easy task. She spent an entire week mentally rehearsing the conversation in front of a mirror. “I had to prepare myself for a week in the mirror. I had to gather all my courage to say what I had to say to him,” she shared with Bollywood Bubble. The actress also confessed that she often analyzes conversations after they happen, thinking about how she could have responded differently. However, in this case, she did not overthink beforehand.
The Moment of Silence
Describing Salman’s reaction after she refused Bodyguard, Daisy recalled a prolonged silence that felt endless. “There was a pin-drop silence in the room for a good five to seven minutes. Five to seven minutes is too long. At that point of time, it felt very long. It still is very long for a dictated situation like that. And I was internally saying, ‘Please say something, please say something.’ And there was only one thing that came from his mouth. He was like, ‘Okay,’” she said.
When asked if Salman was upset, Daisy defended him, noting that he is human and might have been processing the situation. “He is also human. He must have been processing his own things,” she explained.
Praise for Salman Khan
Despite the awkward moment, Daisy had only kind words for Salman, calling him one of the most caring people she has ever met. “He is the same. I think he is one of the most caring souls that you will ever come across, be it on set, be it in personal life, be it whatever. If you are under his wings, he will take care of you, no matter what,” she said.
Career Journey
Before stepping into acting, Daisy worked as an assistant to choreographer Ganesh Acharya. She then ventured into South Indian cinema and appeared in several songs before Salman approached her for Bodyguard. The role eventually went to Hazel Keech, while Daisy waited for a role that aligned better with her acting aspirations. Nearly one and a half years later, Salman contacted her again for an audition for Jai Ho, which she secured, leading to her rise to fame.
