'Bodyguard' has embarked on a historic start and is now at least a superhit in the offering with the blockbuster tag not too far away. While Salman Khan and Kareena Kapoor are of course basking in the glory of film's success, it is Atul Agnihotri who is the most ecstatic of all. With 'Bodyguard', Atul has turned third time lucky after 'Hello' and 'Diln Ne Jise Apna Kaha'.

"Salman's contribution to the film has been 110% and it was my turn to give him back a film that he could be proud of," says Atul, "We had some solid content in the form of a strong story and definitely hope to meet the demand and expectations of Salman's fans. Salman too showed so much commitment and finished the film in record time."

Now that 'Bodyguard' collections have gone over the roof, Atul truly believes that it was his payback to Salman for all the trust and confidence shown in him.

He continues, "Salman's involvement has been in working out the entire movie and being a part of all decision making. His as well as my father-in-law's (Salim Khan) advice have always been of paramount importance right through the making of 'Bodyguard' and that by itself was a good wicket to bat on. This is a very beautiful time in Salman's career and it has been a blessing that we could deliver. I owed him that at the least."