Nikhil Dwivedi: 'I find notorious gangster Abu Salem fascinating'

Nikhil Dwivedi has revealed that he finds the real-life gangster he will play "fascinating".

The actor is to take on the role of Abu Salem, who is currently imprisoned for his involvement in 1993 terrorist attacks.

Dwivedi told Hindustan Times: "Unlike other infamous gangsters, who took decades to be where they are today, he became one of the most dreaded gangsters in Mumbai in just seven years. That's what I found so fascinating.

"There was a time when the whole film industry was completely crippled with fear of this man. The film is about what made him so powerful.

"Why should I be nervous? This is not a film on Dawood Ibrahim."

Dwivedi has so far starred in seven films since making his acting debut in My Name is Anthony Gonslaves in 2008.

The upcoming Shootout in Wadala is based on the life of equally famous gangster and Salem associate Ibrahim.

Director Sanjay Gupta recently denied that he had ever considered Asin Thottumkal as Ibrahim's love interest in the film.