Kannada actor Sudeep said the team of Dabangg 3, including Salman Khan, was not sure if he would give his nod to the project. Sudeep will be playing the antagonist opposite Salman's Robinhood-like cop Chulbul Pandey in the upcoming third instalment of Dabangg franchise. 

Dabangg 3 starring Salman Khan and Sonakshi Sinha will release in four languages- Tamil, Telugu, Hindi and Kannada on December 20, 2019.

In a recent interview, Sudeep talked about this role in Dabangg 3 and how the movie came to him. He also spoke about his co-star Salman Khan.

Also read: Dabangg 3 star Sudeep says flop films don't kill actor, not being wanted by anyone does

"The credit goes to Sohail ji for Dabangg 3. He proposed my name to everybody and all thought Sudeep would refuse. Salman sir also thought the same, thinking, that he is a big actor what will he come and do. But later the team, including Salman sir approached me. Prabhu Deva sir came to Mysuru to narrate the story that he had beautifully written for that role. 

 

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"I was 50% okay to do it by then, because I am getting the opportunity to work with a very big personality, not because I want to build a base in Mumbai," Sudeep said. 

Also read: ​​​​​​​Salman Khan's Dabangg 3 to also release in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu

45-year-old actor Sudeep also praised 53-year-old Salman Khan's fabulous body, "It is a showdown where both of us are seen bare-chested," said Sudeep, adding, “When we started shooting for the movie, he was slightly overweight; it was because of his other commitments. He was aware that [he wasn't as fit as he would like to be]. So, he hit the gym, and within a month, he had a ripped body.”

 

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Pailwaan actor also said that at this age, Salman's determination is unbelievable. Inspired by the Bharat star, Sudeep too hit the gym every day just to look good on screen with Sallu.

Working with Salman, Sudeep said was a memorable experience. "He is a blessing to have in life. He allows very few in his close quarters and you should just enjoy the process. Very seldom you get to meet people with such achievements," he added.

Sudeep is currently busy promoting Kannada movie Pehlwaan (or Pailwaan) that will release on September 12.

(Inputs from PTI)