M K VIVEKANANDAN /Mumbai
1999 Dec@MoviesSatyamOnline
| COUNTED amongst the ten most handsome men in the world. An enviable family lineage in the form of father Salim Khan, co-writer of Bollywood epic Sholay. One of the best physiques in the industry. And a spate of hits to prop him up. Salman Khan has everything going for him. The Khan rules the world. Well at least the world of the Hindi film industry. |  |
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With four hits last year, he was easily 1998's
most successful star. And although this year
began on a bad note for Salman Khan withJaanam Samjha Karo failing at the box-office, he made up quickly
with Biwi No 1, and followed it up with Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Hum Saath Saath Hain. |
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However, it hasn't been smooth sailing for the actor. With a great debut film of Suraj Barjatiya Maine Pyar Kiya, Salman had to suffer a string of flops quite early in his career. Then came Barjatiya's next film Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, which was a tremendous hit. With this film, Salman's career graph soared and from then on work-wise things have been more or less on an even keel. |
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Of course, that is not to say that his life has been uneventful. Only a couple of months back, Salman made it to the headlines of national dailies for his alleged involvement in a buck-hunting incident during the shooting of Hum Saath Saath Hain, and his subsequent arrest in relation to the same case. "That was like a nightmare. I try not to think of it at all," the actor says, evading the question of whether he was really guilty. "I probably deserved what I got, but it was sad that my family -- and more specifically my father -- was dragged into the mess," he adds. |
| So, with such a hectic schedule does he get time for any kind of relaxation or holiday? "Vacations are few and in between. Even foreign trips are mainly to do with work," he says. During his last trip to London, "I managed to take a day off and shopped like crazy, mostly clothes and accessories," he says. A self-confessed T-shirt freak, Salman says he picked up a bunch of tees from various places including the DKNY showrooms, the Calvin Klein stores and the Channel shop. "I don't think there's anything wrong in spending money on branded items if you can afford it," he says. "I don't think money is for hoarding." |  |
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Talk to him about his relationship with the media, and the actor is ready to begin a debate. "I have nothing against journalists who are interested in knowing about my movies and about my roles in my films, but I don't wish to entertain people who want to know who I'm sleeping with," he explains with a ring of finality in his tone. "I have had no choice but to stop speaking to several film magazines, which have been repeatedly carrying false stories about me," he continues. "Generally, I don't take such things lying down. I don't like to read lies about my family, but I've learnt to just ignore most of the rubbish that is written about me. However, I do give newspaper interviews and to journalists who I know come to me with decent intentions." |
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His friends are few and "really dear." Like director David Dhawan who is "my close pal," Salman insists.Another friend, filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is all gushy about his favourite actor. "The thing about Salman is that he'll stand by you always. He's not a fair-weather friend who vanishes when you need him the most." Salman, equally generous in his appreciation for the filmmaker, says: "I think Sanjay's strength lies in the fact that he's an extremely sensitive guy who knows how to get the audience to weep uncontrollably while watching a movie." And although Khamoshi did not make the box-office ring with a resonance, "it's one of the films I feel closest to," the actor reveals. |
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About the Rajashri team, with whom he made magic in Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Kaun and Hum Saath Saath Hain, he has nothing but praises. "They are easily the best unit to work with. They know how to treat their actors. Besides, they make lovely movies." |
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The future holds well too what with a handful of other films expected to go on the floors soon. "I'm happy doing what I am. I've earned enough money to take care of my kids. Now I'm just working because I like to," he says. On that note, he heads for his personal gym. "Now that's out of bounds for everyone," he says, slipping into a pair of shorts and waving goodbye. |
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1999 Dec 29