Salman Khan launches and introduces Athiya Shetty, Sooraj Pancholi’s ‘Hero’

Salman Khan launched the trailer of debutants Athiya Shetty and Sooraj Pancholi’s upcoming film, ‘Hero’ at an event in Mumbai on Wednesday (July 15). Hero is Salman Khan's second production venture post Bajrangi Bhaijaan. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Athiya Shetty is the daughter of Suniel and Mana Shetty. She will be making her Bollywood debut with ‘Hero’. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Sooraj, who is the son of Aditya Pancholi and Zarina Wahab, is also marking his debut with the Nikhil Advani-directed film. (Source: Express Photo by Dilip Kagda)

Sooraj whose named had cropped up in actress Jiah Khan’s suicide case, was teary-eyed at the launch. "It’s a dream launch for me. I couldn’t have asked for anything better than this. There are so many people who want to become actors but are not able to make it. I am glad I got this opportunity," said Sooraj. (Source: Express Photo by Dilip Kagda)

Sooraj admitted to being nervous before the trailer launch. "I hope you all liked the trailer. I am not the best but I promise to be better and better (with next films," said Pancholi. (Source: Express Photo by Dilip Kagda)

Sooraj cries as he hugs Salman Khan. “When I met him he asked me to assist Kabir (Khan) in “Ek Tha Tiger”. Since then his hand is on me…I am grateful to him,” said Sooraj about Salman Khan. (Source: Express Photo by Dilip Kagda)

Sooraj said that Salman Khan advised him not to try too hard. "He (Salman) gave an advice – ‘acting mat karna zyada’ (don’t act too much)," said Sooraj Pancholi. (Source: Express Photo by Dilip Kagda)

Athiya Shetty was lovely in a midnight blue Neha Taneja dress with black pumps. “People think I am confident, natural. I hope I portray that on-screen,” said the newbie. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Athiya’s parents, suniel and Mana Shetty looked proud of their upcoming starlet. "My parents are here and they give me confidence, strength. I am happy they are here," Athiya told reporters.

Salman Khan is producing ‘Hero’ and is closely associated with the film. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Director Nikhil Advani joined his actors Athiya Shetty, Sooraj Pancholi and producer Salman Khan for the ‘Hero’ trailer launch. Nikhil, who has worked with Salman in Salam-e-Ishq, said the actor is the most difficult person to satisfy but the best producer too. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Fathers suniel Shetty and Aditya Pancholi join their kids Athiya and Sooraj on stage along with Salman Khan. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Fathers suniel Shetty and Aditya Pancholi join their kids Athiya and Sooraj on stage along with Salman Khan. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Salman Khan and suniel Shetty exchanged a warm hug. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Subhash Ghai, who had directed the original ‘Hero’ in 1983, was also present. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Danny Donzengpa's son Rinzing poses for a picture. (Source: Varinder Chawla)

Nikhil Advani, Suniel Shetty, Athiya Shetty, Salman Khan, Sooraj pancholi, Aditya Pancholi and Subhash Ghai on stage for a picture. (Source: Varinder Chawla)