"Salman is a brother to me. I GLANCE at him in an excessively emotional way at both the pro and private levels. Salman bhai is above and beyond a mentor for me," Arjun told.
"Normally I DO NOT speak about how I THINK about Salman bhai as it gets misconstrued... I LIKE him and that i feel I WILL make him proud. I WILL NOT thank him enough for keeping faith in me," he added.
Arjun is the son of Boney Kapoor and late Mona Kapoor. Getting a project was not an uphill task for Arjun, but shedding weight was a large struggle for the newcomer.
"I was very lucky that I DID NOT must struggle much. But I never desired to be an actor. I WISHED to direct; so I USED TO BE more than pleased as an assistant director. Then I met Salman bhai who made me pursue acting," the 26- year-old said.
"I was 140 kg. He said I'VE the possible. When somebody like him shows faith in you, you are taking it seriously. I took up this challenge...
"I was fortunate that he took me along wherever he went and trained me. I travelled with him, worked out with him, lived with him, and ate what he told me to eat. He took me under his wings and it took me four years to lose weight - and losing 50 kg was my struggle," he added.
Being a producer's son and his experience as an assistant director have made Arjun practical.
Said Arjun: "Newcomers can't start thinking that they're superstars. Despite the fact that my dad goes to make a film, he can't make a Rs.50 crore film with a newcomer. Eventually, it is all about business. Emotions are one side and business is at the other side."
Times have changed, says Arjun and adds gone are the times when "fathers used to launch their sons. Now it is the time to make good films."
"Who would say no to Yash Raj? I FEEL it's the biggest achievement for me and for my father who's already a large name within the industry. If I make my very own mark over here, he would certainly be more proud that I'VE done it on my own.
Faisal's first film "Do Dooni Chaar" won a countrywide award, but unfortunately it didn't hit the bull's eye on the box office. "Ishaqzaade" is his second directorial venture and Arjun is confident.
"Habib has not made a blockbuster film, he made a critically acclaimed film that folks loved. However the credibility that Habib sir has throughout the fraternity is commendable," Arjun said.
"I was happy that I got a fair director. That is essentially the most irregular launch that any one had because a newcomer hasn't ever played this type of a personality. It is not safe at all," he added.
