Salman Khan Asked Kiara Advani To Change Her Name ‘Coz Of Alia Bhatt!

Kiara Advani started her Bollywood career way back in 2014 with a film titled Fugly. But the actress got her big break with M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story, where she played the role of Dhoni’s wife Sakshi.

In a conversation with a magazine, Kiara said, “M. S. Dhoni… surely was a turning point for me. While the film did spectacularly at the box office, I was especially grateful for all the love and appreciation I got for my performance. Most of the directors on my wish list called me to meet after watching the film and so I’d definitely say it’s been an exciting next step in my career.”

One of her best performances was her impeccable stint in Lust Stories where she played the role of a newly-married woman, who was unhappy with her sexual life and wanted to take control of it.

She has carved a niche for herself despite being an outsider in the industry. Kiara is not a star kid but not many know about her connections to the film fraternity. Kiara’s mom, Genevieve Advani, was actor Ashok Kumar’s daughter. Which makes Kiara, Ashok Kumar’s great-granddaughter! She is also the great-grandniece of yesteryear actor Saeed Jaffrey.

Like many newbies in Bollywood, Kiara also found her mentor in Salman Khan. Apparently, Kiara is the niece of Salman’s first girlfriend, Shaheen Jaffrey. In an interview with a media portal, Kiara said, “My mom knew Salman sir as they grew up together in Bandra. He would often tell my mother how one day he would be a star. They have been friends for the longest time and would go cycling together. She introduced my mausie (maternal aunt) Shaheen to him and Salman sir and Shaheen mausie (maternal aunt) dated each other long back. It may have possibly been their first relationship.”

Recently, we learned that Salman Bhai is the reason behind Kiara Advani changing her name. Wondering what we’re talking about? Read on!

Born as Aaliya Advani, the Kalank actress changed her name from Aaliya to Kiara. Recently, on a chat show, Kiara made this revelation, “Aaliya is my first name. Salman Khan suggested me to change it because of Alia Bhatt because there can’t be two actresses with the same name in Bollywood.”

She further added, “He suggested the change, but Kiara is the name that I chose. Now even my parents have started to call me Kiara.”

On the work front, Kiara is gearing up for Kabir Singh opposite Shahid Kapoor. The film is an official remake of Telugu blockbuster Arjun Reddy. Helmed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga, the film is slated to release on June 21.

Images source: Instagram

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