It was an unbearably emotional experience for all concerned, all thanks to Salman Khan.
Last week Salman expressed a desire to watch portions of his production Hero.
The original plan according to sources close to the project, was that only Salman would watch the rushes with the director Nikhil Advani.
But then man proposes, Salman disposes.
Says the source, "Salman decided that it was only fair to watch the rushes with Sooraj and Aathiya and their parents. The film means the world to them. Salman felt it was very unfair to keep them out of this experience. Aditya Pancholi , Suniel Shetty and his wife were duly summoned. Sooraj's mom Zarina is away shooting for a film."
The first glimpse of Hero proved an eye-opener. Apparently, Sooraj and Aathiya who watched themselves for the first time on screen were showered with compliments by Salman.
Says proud papa Aditya Pancholi, "We watched two songs and one action sequence. What I saw left me speechless, not only because that was the first time I was seeing my son on screen. I'd have reacted equally incredulously even if the film starred another actor. Nikhil has done something magical to Subhash Ghai's Hero. Both Sooraj and Aathiya are going to take the audience by surprise. They don't act like newcomers at all."
Aditya also refutes reports that he has been signed to play the main antagonist in Sanjay Leela Bhansali'sBajirao Mastani. "It was just one meeting and nothing was decided. I told the journalist that by writing about it he would finish off whatever chances I have of getting the role. Mr Bhansali is my neighbour. My wife and his mother are very close friends. I know how possessive and secretive he is about his projects."