I CAN TELL WHAT WORKS: SALMAN KHAN

The actor credits experience, his background in writing, and his father, scriptwriter Salim Khan, for his knowledge of cinema

In his more than 30 years in the industry, Salman Khan has worked with a number of directors, ranging from Sooraj Barjatya (in Maine Pyar Kiya) to Kabir Khan (Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Tubelight). He says it’s necessary for an actor to have great rapport with his directors.

“A comfort level has to be there regardless of whom I work with. Otherwise, you can’t make these kinds of films [Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) and Tubelight (2017)],” says Salman, speaking about his chemistry with Kabir.

The actor, who will soon be working with choreographer-director Remo D’Souza for the first time, says when there’s healthy camaraderie between an actor and a director, “there are healthy discussions”. “Such discussions can range from things like, ‘if we should keep this or that (in a film), if we should do something in a particular style, or if something isn’t working out and if a song is not that great,” he says.

Salman, who debuted with Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), says he also has an understanding of films thanks to his extensive experience. “I have been in the industry for the last 30 years now, and with my background in writing and dad (Salim Khan was one-half of the famous writer duo, Salim-Javed), I have enough experience to tell what’s working and what isn’t.”

The actor will next be seen in Ali Abbas Zafar’s Tiger Zinda Hai, which will see Salman teaming up with Katrina Kaif again after Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005), Partner (2007), Yuvvraaj (2008) and Ek Tha Tiger. “Katrina is surely one of the most hardworking girls in the industry,” says Salman, He will also start shooting for Dabangg 3 this year, which is likely to be directed by Prabhudheva, who directed him in Wanted (2009).

A comfort level has to be there regardless of whom I work with. Otherwise, you can’t make these kinds of films. SALMAN KHAN, ACTOR