I always knew Sonakshi would be in movies, says Salman

"I have always knew that Sonakshi would be in the film industry.. and not just that, but become a big star in the industry. So I used to keep telling her every time to lose weight and now she is here in 'Dabangg'," Salman told PTI.

The 23-year-old actress, who will make her debut opposite Salman in the up-coming action film wasn't very keen on acting but finally took the plunge.

"I had several times asked Sonakshi do you want to do films..? and she used to say no. I even spoke to Shatru Sahab whether he is fine if she takes up acting to which he said he does not have any problem," Salman said.

"Thereafter I called Sonakshi and asked her if she was serious and she said yes," he said.
About when and how they zeroed in on Sonakshi for the film, Salman said, "At a party Arbaaz and I spotted her and soon Arbaaz showed keen interest in casting Sonakshi for the role, saying she would fit the bill and would make a good pair with me."

"But Arbaaz also doubted if she could be a good actress, to which I asked him to just tell Sonakshi to say 'Khamosh' and she said it aptly...like Shatru Sahab. Soon we selected her and did ask her to attend workshops," the 44-year-old actor said.