‘I only do films that instantly excite me’

He may be one of the biggest money-minting stars of Bollywood, but the commercial potential of a film is not the top priority for actor Salman Khan — he prefers to select projects by his instincts. The 52-year-old, who has blockbusters such as Dabangg (2010), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), and Sultan (2016) to his credit, says he immediately gives his nod to a project if it excites him.

“The only films I want to do as soon as possible are the ones which satisfy me. I want to do something which I instantly like. I take up films only if they instantly excite me. If something is narrated to me and I’m like ‘I will tell you tomorrow’ or ‘I need some time to think’, it’s never happening,” Salman said.

The actor, however, made an exception for his Eid release, Race 3. “The only film I’ve done like that is Race 3. That too because I instantly loved the script, barring one or two points,” he added.

Talking about his upcoming projects, Salman confirmed that there is a film with director Sanjay Leela Bhansali in the pipeline, with whom he has worked in Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), and a cameo in Saawariya (2007).

“There is no No Entry (2005) or Wanted (2009) sequel happening. I am doing Bharat, Dabangg 3, and Sher Khan. The Kick 2 script isn’t ready yet. There is a dance film with Remo (D’Souza, directorchoreographer), and a Bhansali film when he comes and narrates it,” he said.

Part of the movie business for around three decades, Salman believes that while some of the younger actors are doing good, there are a few who have misunderstood what Hindi cinema stands for.

“Tiger Shroff got it right this time (referring to Baaghi 2’s success). Varun Dhawan has always been getting it right. He tried one, but then that was a film (October) he wanted to do and it did make decent money. Apart from that, I think everyone is going slightly... They think India is from Cuffe Parade (South Mumbai) to Andheri, which is not true. They think all our emotions are cliched and outdated,” he said.