I WANTED TO BE A DIRECTOR: SALMAN KHAN

The superstar, who completes 30 years in Bollywood next year, says that “God has been very kind” to him

Not many know that before hitting the big league overnight with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), Salman Khan started his acting career with Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988). After going through his share of ups and downs, the superstar – who completes 30 years in the industry next year – has come a long way. “I am very happy and won’t change a single thing [about my life],” says Salman, as he talks about life, career path and more.

In 2018, you complete three decades in the film industry…

Really? It feels as if I worked in Maine Pyar Kiya day-before yesterday. I have always had a lot of love and enthusiasm for this profession. But there was a time, when that feeling was dying a bit. At that time, I thought, ‘I am working only for the sake of it as I do not like it.’ There was also a stage when I used to pick up whatever best was offered to me. Before that, the stage was such that we couldn’t even ask for the script from makers. They would be like, ‘Has he become a star that he is asking for script?’ Those films can’t be counted among hit and flop films, as we had to do them.

Now, how good is life as Salman?

It’s superb, outstanding. I can’t compare my life with anyone else but I have got so much in life that I couldn’t have asked for more. I remember at one point, my life’s ambition was to make ₹10 lakh and when I was told that I can make ₹2,000 as interest amount with ₹10 lakh, I said to myself, ‘If I can do this, my life will be set.’ And now, touchwood, I have so much. So, God has been very kind.

You are also one of the richest film stars in the world, as per Forbes magazine…

Forget the money, the love and respect that I get from people and fans is unmatched. That is my real wealth. Even my family, mum, dad, aunts, brothers, sisters and friends, who I have grown up with have always been by our side and everyone is doing really well for themselves. We all always had a great bonding right from the beginning. So, it’s true that I feel blessed.

You are ready with your next film, Tiger Zinda Hai. Since it’s a sequel to Ek Tha Tiger (2012), are you anxious about it?

We have tried our best as it had to be taken a notch above Ek Tha Tiger. When it comes to sequels, it has to be better than the first one. But the second part is always tough one to crack. Only if it’s bigger and better – in terms of the plot, emotional quotient and sheer scale – than the first film that one should attempt it. Also, when you do the second part, especially mission or goal films, it shouldn’t appear too much or forced. I feel, sometimes to make the sequel bigger, we go totally off.

PHOTO: HTBS/PRAMOD THAKUR Salman Khan When you look back, how do you see the journey, especially since your contemporaries such as Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan have also come a long way? I think Shah Rukh was very focused when he came into the industry. I wanted to become a...