Salman still unexplored as an actor: Ali Abbas Zafar

 He has a magical bond with his audience making his films recession-proof at the box office but it is only recently that Salman Khan has started choosing character-driven roles and the director of his upcoming film "Sultan" says there is still a lot unexplored in the actor.

The glimpses of the actor that the audience saw in "Khamoshi" and "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam", is making its presence felt more often be it "Dabangg" or Salman's recent "Bajrangi Bhaijaan".

"Sultan" director Ali Abbas Zafar say directing Salman in the role of a wrestler in the sports drama was a delight as he could connect with the actor on an emotional level.

"The thing that I got most fascinated by SK was that he is still very unexplored as an actor. There is a certain persona that people have made around him. But once you get to know him, there is definitely lots and lots of talent. That is what makes him such a big star today. He is very identifiable," Zafar told PTI.

The director feels Salman has always had a great bond with his audience and he does not need to do a lot of effort to make them believe in him on screen.

"That is his strength, the less he does the more it is for the audience but it happens very rarely. He knows the craft so well that whatever little I used to ask him to do, he would do that well and beautifully.

"He does not just use his mind, he uses a lot of emotions. So, you have to get him charged emotionally not logically. He is very straightforward that way."

"Sultan" was not the first time Zafar interacted with Salman. He served as an assistant director on Salman's cross-over film "Marigold" besides working closely with Kabir Khan during "Ek Tha Tiger".

"When I was doing 'Gunday', he told me to narrate the script. He really liked the story of 'Sultan'. He kind of identified with the kind of filmmaker I was and the kind of stories I wanted to tell. I am fortunate to work with him so early in my career."

Salman had to undergo a drastic physical transformation in order to play Sultan Ali Khan in the upcoming YRF movie which also stars Anushka Sharma opposite him. The movie is slated to release this Eid.

The female casting of "Sultan" was hotly anticipated as names of many leading actresses cropped up ahead of the shoot.

Zafar says he was clear from the beginning that he wanted a solid performer in his movie and Anushka's name was right on top of that list.

"We wanted an actress, who could match the stardom of SK. I wanted a solid actress and Anushka has proven herself as an actress. The only glitch was that she is also a sports person in the film. But when researched about wrestler, I found out that they don't have to be bulky, they can be slim."

The lead pair's chemistry in song "Jag Ghumiya" and "Baby Bass Pasand Hain" has been appreciated by the fans and Zafar is happy that the casting has clicked.

"Anushka and SK look good together. If you cast a little different person opposite SK, it always brings freshness. Anushka is a bit different than the girls that SK has been with on screen."