The actor-producer known for introducing new talent in the industry, announced the launch of another newcomer — Zaheer Iqbal on Thursday. 

According to a source close to Salman, Zaheer doesn’t hail from a film family but his father and Salman have known each other for years. “Salman spotted Zaheer at a stage performance during his sister’s wedding. He was so impressed with Zaheer’s act that he decided then and there that he would launch this terrific performer into movies,” says the source. 

Salman’s banner SKF (Salman Khan Films) is producing the film along with Murad Khetani and Ashwin Varde of Cine1 Studios. The film (yet untitled) will go on floors in September this year and is being directed by the highly acclaimed Nitin Kakkar of Filmistaan fame.

The film is a love story set in Kashmir. The leading lady opposite him will also be a new face and will be finalised in the next few days. “Salman has been personally supervising the training that Zaheer is undergoing for the last few months. In fact, he’s even named him Zahero,” adds sources. 

A proud Salman says, “Zaheer is made for the movies. He is a fantastic actor and a born star.” 

The film’s producers are tremendously confident of the young actor. “Zaheer has an incredible presence in front of the camera,” promises Khetani. 

Director Nitin Kakkar too is excited about the journey ahead. “Zaheer’s level of commitment towards his work is great. He will go a very long way,” he says.