Kannada actor Naveen Shankar is among the select few from Sandalwood who has been included in the cast of filmmaker Prashant Neel’s Salaar universe. In the initial installment, Ceasefire, Naveen portrayed the character of Pandit, a ruthless assassin for hire, although his role was limited. However, it is anticipated that his character will be further developed in the upcoming sequel, Shouryanga Parvam. Notably, Naveen initially expressed disinterest in the role when it was first presented to him and chose to decline the offer.

Naveen Shankar on being part of Salaar after rejecting it first

During the promotional activities for his recent film, Nodidavarau Enantare, Naveen shared insights with Kairam Vaashi regarding his career decisions. He recounted that he was approached for a role in Salaar: Ceasefire during the release of Hondisi Bareyiri. At that time, he was engaged in the production of Gurudev Hoysala, where he portrayed the antagonist's right-hand man, a character known for unleashing destruction upon adversaries. Naveen concluded that if he were to take on another antagonist role, it would need to be significantly different, leading him to decline the offer.

Later, while involved in the post-production of Kshetrapathi, with Ravi Basrur as the composer, Naveen encountered Prashant at the music studio. He took the opportunity to explain his reasons for declining the role to the filmmaker. Prashant responded with understanding, affirming an artist's right to refuse a role without any obligation. The discussion regarding Salaar concluded shortly thereafter, and Prashant shifted the conversation to Naveen's debut film Gultoo and Hoysala.

A few days later, Naveen received another call, this time from Prashant himself, who invited the actor to discuss a different character. The filmmaker expressed that he would honor Naveen's decision if he chose not to participate this time, but he believed that the character would suit the actor well. Prashant's efforts to persuade Naveen were particularly significant, as the actor realized that the filmmaker was not obligated to do so. This demonstrated the respect Prashant held for his actors, a sentiment that Naveen would come to appreciate during their time on set.
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