In the last couple of years, it has become a foregone conclusion that a Salman Khan movie will become a superhit. And there’s no reason that his next, 'Jai Ho', won’t.
He, meanwhile, points out that this one will be different. “'Jai Ho' is unlike my earlier films. We have gone a step ahead with the masala, comedy and emotional aspects,”
His own stuntman
Remembering his rookie days in the industry, Salman says, “We performed our own stunts. I have been hurt innumerable times, but, I never used a body double. I remember, as a kid, I would go to watch films of my heroes. I would stand on the seat in the cinema hall and whistle when my favourite hero would punch his opponents… and when he fell on the ground I would shout, ‘Utth, utth…mar…mar (get up and hit him back)’.”
Making the fans happy
“Yes, I am unwell at the moment suffering from Trigeminal Neuralgia but that will not be of any concern to my fans when they watch my films. They are paying for the tickets and so I have to make them happy.
Fresh as a Daisy
Salman is all for giving those who have come up in the industry the hard way a chance. “I feel Daisy Shah is the most deserving candidate to be paired with me. She has progressed from being an extra dancer to an independent choreographer. My mother Helen also rose to doing pivotal roles after starting as a dancer.”
The Elli story
Salman is straightforward when asked about alleged flame Elli Avram. “I am very vocal about my likes and dislikes about any individual. I like Elli Avram. She is talented. It is a sort of a connect that I get immediately with someone. Why should new comers not be promoted?” he asks, adding, “Salman Khan was given a chance by A.K. Bihari and Sooraj Barjatya. In turn I would like to give a chance to talented people.”
‘A free bird’
Salman adds that for the first time in 30 years, he is not in a relationship. “I am a free bird. Life has come full circle for me. It will be very difficult for me to explain how enjoyable this phase is. I am not answerable to any one! I do what I want, at any given point in time. This way, when I go out with one person I do not have to lie to another. I do not want to have a girlfriend or get married. I am having a blast.”
‘Katrina can sit next to me’
He has recently become the brand ambassador for Audi. He says, “Ever since a child, when I first saw Anil Kapoor in possession of an Audi, I always wanted to own one.”
So who will be sitting next to him, Elli or Katrina? “For now, I think Katrina can sit next to me. Elli can take the back seat,” he smiles. Would he like to gift an Audi to Katrina? “No. Let some ‘Kapoor’ gift it to her. I would like to gift it to mom, but she won’t take it.”
Our last question to Salman is about his “bad boy” tag. He laughs, “That’s simply because I speak my heart unhesitatingly. I cannot simply play double standards.”
