Mumbai, Aug 15: Where there's Salman, there's smoking controversy. There are unravelling secrets and hair-raising tales. And yet, when a film starring him in the lead as an obsessive lover storms the theatres, it's sheer hysteria. Audiences clamour and crave to watch his histrionics on screen; and when there's this whiff in the wind that the film bears resemblance to his own life, the masses are palpably waiting to get a glimpse of the brash past of the star's life.

As much as the star himself denies this, the audience will be the final judge on the D-day.

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Director Satish Kaushik has no inhibitions as he tells us about the obscure battles he faced during the making of Tere Naam, and the unprecedented challenge in working with the Bollywood's enfant terrible - Salman Khan.

Why is Tere Naam called 'unfortunately a true love story'!

"Just because it says 'unfortunately a true love story', it doesn't mean that it bears any specific resemblance to some love story that we've heard of. Tere Naam is a remake of a Tamil film from the South called Sethu, and that film was inspired by a true love story."

"Besides, it's a heart-wrenching story of two estranged lovers - such an unfortunate thing should not happen to anyone in love, that's why we've called it 'unfortunately a true love story'!"

Your lead actress Bhumika doesn't have much recall value or appeal with our Hindi audiences'. Why did you chose her opposite Salman?

"See, nowadays we can see enough of exposure, scantily dressed women on screen; this film needed that pure, subtle, innocent look and Bhumika best suited the role. In the film, she's a daughter of a priest living in a small town, so we obviously couldn't have a glamorous girl doing this role."

There have been numerous films revolving around an obsessive lover. What makes Tere Naam different from the rest?

"The story is real; it actually happened to two people in love. It's identifiable. It's not extravagantly shot in locales abroad, it's simple and realistic. That's what sets it apart from the rest. As I've said before, it's unfortunately a true love story. The fact that it's true makes all the difference."

How would you rate Salman's performance in the film?

"Salman has given a great performance in the film. He's given an intense, unconventional performance. I believe this is the best performance of Salman's career so far."

You think it will give his career the much-needed somersault?

"Well, all I will say is that it will be an unforgettable performance and he'll surely make a mark again with this film."

There were rumours that this film bears resemblance to Salman's own love story. In spite of the actor dispelling these rumours himself, people continue to believe so. Do you think this has helped hype the film and stir the audiences' curiosity?

"Well, I don't think that's the reason. The story idea was conceived years back, much before anything was known about Salman's own love story. It's just that audiences are anxiously waiting to watch Salman on screen after so long. Also, as an actor he had real guts to take up the challenge of such an unconventional role. His effortless performance and terrific screen presence are something to watch out for. At a time like this, such an intense film starring Salman should go down well with the audiences."

Talking about right timing…didn't you have second thoughts about choosing Salman for his role at a time when he was scuffling with the media and law?

"Actually I wasn't the one who cast him for this role. He was already a part of the project before I was roped in as director. Besides, I didn't have any second thoughts or regrets about working with him. I think he was the best choice for the film."

What about the shooting backlog?

"When Salman was caught in the middle of that controversy, we had already completed shooting 60 per cent of the film. And he was concentrating on only one film at a time. On our part, we faced no hassle with him. Moreover, if he was handling it fine, there was no reason for us to panic."

We've heard the film has opened to an astounding advance booking?

"Yes, I've been receiving calls from my distributors in Delhi, Hyderabad, UP and other territories, and they unanimously feel that's it's a historical opening."