Overview

• Balan revealed that early in her career she turned down a film opposite Akshaye Khanna after finding the script unconvincing
• She asked her manager to inform the director of her decision instead of telling Khanna directly
• On the 2007 Salaam-e-Ishq set, Khanna jokingly ‘fired’ her for not notifying him about the rejection
• She recounted seeking John Abraham’s help to ease the moment and later realised Khanna was only teasing her
• Drawing on insights from her marriage to a producer, Balan emphasised her respect for script development and her confidence in saying no respectfully