Success does not go into my head: Salman Khan

(IANS Interview)

He has several films in his kitty that have joined the Rs.100-crore club and thanks to them, Salman Khan’s films are perceived as high-yielding projects. But his feet are on the ground and he knows how to handle success, the star says.

Salman’s “Dabangg”, “Bodyguard”, “Ready” “Ek Tha Tiger”, and “Dabangg 2” grossed more than Rs.100 crore at the box office and now producers are making high-stake investments in the star, who says: “I am so used to it (success) by now that I know exactly how I need to take it.”

“I know this is all superficial… I know this is my profession and my work and I get paid for it. But apart from that, it does not go into my head. It’s like a nine-to-five job,” Salman told IANS in an interview.

Does losing success scare him?

“We know that is going to happen. It’s just that how hard you can work to keep it going. How long you can see the distance between the fans and the hero increasing is important,” said the 47-year-old.

A brand in himself, Salman has experienced failure, but in the last five years, he has become one of the most bankable stars in tinsel town. His movies are a hit even before they release.

“I don’t get nervous (before the release of films). I just pray that the hard work, which we put in, shows. Mentally, you are the same, but you worry that you haven’t lost the plot or the character you have played,” said Salman who has featured in about 90 films in the last 25 years.

Starting out as a romantic hero with “Maine Pyar Kiya”, he did many action films too. In fact, his last few releases were only action films.

He feels action works only if it is backed by emotions.

“Till the time action is not backed by emotion, it doesn’t work. In my films, there is action, but there is a lot of romance and emotion as well. In ‘Dabangg 2’, relationship between husband-wife and father-son are shown. But as all the action scenes are put in the promo, it looks like an action film…but actually it is not,” he said.

His movie schedules, TV assignment as host of “Bigg Boss 6” and brand endorsements keep him busy.

What about personal time?

“I have lots of time. Why would anyone want to have time for themselves? You are 24 hours with yourself,” he said.

Salman is known for his tiffs with star Shah Rukh Khan but was seen defending him on “Bigg Boss 6” when Imam Siddique, one of the contestants, claimed to have contributed to his success.

“If anyone has become something, it is because of his dedication. We have no right to put somebody down. We don’t get along at all, but what is not right is not right. The fact that SRK comes out of his house and goes to work provides so many people with work…so who are you to take credit for that?” said Salman who doesn’t let his problems with Shah Rukh bother him much.

With success at his feet, Salman’s desire is to work harder and make sure unsung heroes in the industry get their due too.

“I want to work a little harder. I just hope that the other people are also as interested as I am…not in the heroes, but the people in our team,” he said.