One of the turning points in Bollywood superstar Salman Khan's acting career is Tere Naam. Satish Kaushik's romantic action drama from 2003 was not only a commercial success, but it also helped Salman establish himself as a competent actor. Few people are aware, though, that Kaushik wasn't the film's first choice. The film's initial choices for director included award-winning director and actor Anurag Kashyap. But Kashyap was removed from the film.
In a recent interview, the Gangs of Wasseypur (2012) director revealed the reason behind the same. For the part of a small-town lad, Kashyap reportedly recommended to Khan that he grow hair on his chest since he wanted Salman to resemble the character. Khan did not, in Kashyap's opinion, suit the description of the character, and the filmmaker was well aware of what small-town residents looked like at the time because he himself was from one. Khan, though, who abruptly rose up and left the meeting in the middle, was perhaps enraged.
The film's producer asked Anurag to meet him the following day. The producer did, however, greet Anurag by throwing a glass at him, which fortunately smacked against the wall. The producer shouted, “Saale tu Salman ko baal ugane ke liye bolega.” Satish Kaushik quickly took over for Anurag Kashyap. Anurag was then fired from the film.
Meanwhile, Tere Naam was a remake of the South Indian film Sethu (1999). Salman Khan played Radhe, a college brat who falls in love with Nirjahara, a priest’s daughter and the plot unfolds a tragedy.