Farhan Akhtar once planned a war film with Salman Khan—here’s why it didn’t take off

Summary:

• Farhan Akhtar had once approached Salman Khan to star in a war film based on the 1962 India-China conflict, but the project fell through due to scheduling issues.

• Salman is now leading Battle of Galwan (2026), while Farhan returns to acting in another war film, 120 Bahadur (releasing in 2025).

• Fans are intrigued as both actors gear up for major China-centric war dramas after their near collaboration years ago.

It turns out that Farhan Akhtar nearly collaborated with Salman Khan at one point; his initial films, Dil Chahta Hai (2001) and Don (2006), respectively, featured Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan as the leading stars. Insiders in the film industry reveal that Farhan had a plan to direct a war film starring the third Khan.

Script based on 1962 Indo-China War was pitched to Salman Khan

A source informed Bollywood Hungama that Farhan had discovered a screenplay based on the 1962 India vs. China war. He wanted to be the film's director and because he believed the superstar could deliver a stellar performance as the protagonist, he even met Salman. However, time constraints reportedly became an obstacle. The source added that, due to Salman's other obligations, the project did not materialise.

The resurgence of war dramas in Hindi cinema coincides with the revelation of this long-lost partnership. Battle Of Galwan is based on actual tensions that arose in 2020 between China and India, and it stars Salman in the leading role. In the first half of 2026, the project is aiming for a theatrical release. In the forthcoming 120 Bahadur (releasing on November 21, 2025), Farhan is also linked to a war film, but in this capacity as an actor.

ALSO READ: 120 Bahadur teaser: Farhan Akhtar's film brings back memories of the Sino-Indian war, but takes too much inspiration from Uri

Separate project from 120 Bahadur was offered to Salman Khan

The insider emphasised that Farhan's return to acting after four years is marked by the release of 120 Bahadur and that this production was distinct from the one including Salman. Nonetheless, Farhan had offered the superstar a different film, and the plot and subject matter of that film were likely distinct from those of 120 Bahadur.

At a recent event, the teaser for 120 Bahadur was unveiled. Farhan Akhtar, Ritesh Sidhwani, Razneesh 'Razy' Ghai, and the ensemble cast, which includes Raashii Khanna, Sparsh Walia, Vivan Bhathena, Dhanveer Singh, Digvijay Pratap, Sahib Verma, Ankit Siwach, Devendra Ahirwar, Ashutosh Shukla, Brijesh Karanwal, Atul Singh, Eijaz Khan, and Ajinkya Ramesh Deo, were all present at the launch. If the film does well and all technical aspects are ready, Farhan may have his first IMAX release as an actor.

Both Salman Khan and Farhan Akhtar are preparing for massive war films set against China, so fans are curious to see how their careers cross. This is especially true in light of the fact that the two actors nearly worked together years ago.

FAQs

Q. Did Farhan Akhtar ever plan to work with Salman Khan?
A. Yes, Farhan Akhtar reportedly approached Salman Khan for a film based on the 1962 India-China war, but the collaboration didn’t materialise due to Salman's busy schedule.

Q. What was the film Farhan Akhtar wanted to make with Salman Khan?
A. It was a war drama reportedly based on the 1962 India vs China conflict, separate from Farhan’s upcoming acting project 120 Bahadur.

Q. Is Farhan Akhtar acting in any new film?
A. Farhan Akhtar is returning to acting with the film 120 Bahadur, releasing on November 21 this year.