SALMAN KHAN
Bollywood’s superstar talks business, Bigg Boss and Being Human
Silence descended on the Cigar Lounge at The Address Downtown, Dubai, as two burly security men marched in. The throng of media turned their heads, all craning to see if the VIP they had been waiting two hours to meet had finally arrived. Then the silence was broken with muted ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as the press spotted Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, flanked by two more men in black.
Dressed in a black Being Human T-shirt – of course – and a pair of jeans, the muscularly built star smiled as he was led to the adjoining interview room. Waving to the crowd and mouthing ‘hi’, Salman, 48, swept past, seemingly oblivious to the effect he was having on half the female reporters. “He looks so cute,” sighed a 20-something journalist, filming the star on her mobile. “I have to post this on FB now.” And then the Big Boss of Bollywood was gone, vanishing with the security entourage behind closed doors. Now all we could do was wait.
Everyone returned to their seats and began chatting about every aspect of one of the highest-grossing stars in Bollywood while the efficient PR woman from Splash – the fashion house that brought brand ambassador Salman to Dubai to discuss Being Human – said “Your turn” and led the first journalist in to meet him.
Wondering when it would bemy slot, I looked atmy watch and jumped asmy phone rang. It was a colleague who had just found out what assignment I was on and wanted to know if she could come “just to meet Salman and take a picture”. And just like the many requests before, I had to decline, as the event was strictly invitation only.
The excitement over the star’s arrival had begun long before the day of the interview. In fact, it started a fortnight ago, when the editor announced at a morning meeting that “we have an exclusive