‘Salaam-e-Ishq 2’ in the Works: Nikkhil Advani Brings Back the Romance Franchise With Akshay Kumar
One of Bollywood’s most loved romantic ensemble dramas is officially making a comeback. Nearly two decades after Salaam-e-Ishq won audiences over with its emotional stories and memorable soundtrack, director Nikkhil Advani is now developing a sequel to the cult 2007 film.
As exclusively reported by Variety India, Salaam-e-Ishq 2 is currently in development, with Akshay Kumar locked in for one of the lead roles.
Unlike the original film, which featured six interconnected love stories, the sequel will reportedly focus on three couples whose lives become intertwined through destiny, relationships, and emotional crossroads. The film aims to explore modern-day love and the challenges that come with it including commitment issues, societal expectations, and personal struggles.
Akshay Kumar will headline one of the stories, while the female lead opposite him is yet to be finalized. The other two couples are expected to feature younger actors, giving the film a mix of mature and contemporary romance.
Released in 2007, Salaam-e-Ishq boasted one of Bollywood’s biggest ensemble casts, including Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, John Abraham, Vidya Balan, Govinda, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla and Akshaye Khanna among others. While the film had a mixed box office run during its release, it later gained cult status for its emotional storytelling and chartbuster music.
Adding to the nostalgia, iconic music trio Shankar–Ehsaan–Loy is also set to return for the sequel. Songs from the original soundtrack such as Tenu Leke, Saiyaan Re, and Dil Kya Kare continue to remain fan favorites even today.
Nikkhil Advani is currently working on the script, with production expected to begin early next year. The project also marks his return to the romance genre after over a decade, following films like Katti Batti. In recent years, the filmmaker has focused on action and historical dramas including Batla House, Vedaa and Mumbai Diaries.
With nostalgia, music, and modern relationships coming together, Salaam-e-Ishq 2 could become one of Bollywood’s most exciting romantic projects in the coming years.
