Salman Khan: Through my films I want my audience to escape their misery, especially in today’s scenario

By Neeru Saluja

Love him or loathe him ”“ actor Salman Khan is as real as you can get. Bollywood brat or Bollywood king, hit films or flops, his fans adore their bhai no matter what. Be it his power-packed performances on the silver screen, his muscular physique or his stylish swag, he’s the Bhaijaan of Bollywood.

As he completes more than 30 years in Bollywood, actor Salman Khan has come a long way since his box office hit ”˜Maine Pyaar Kiya’. A romantic lead in his much loved films Saajan, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Khamoshi: The Musical, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, a comic actor in Andaz Apna Apna, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, No Entry, he made a major shift to action with Wanted, Dabangg, Bodyguard, Kick, Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai.

Every year on Eid he comes with a film which is gift to his fans, and this year it is ”˜Radhe: Your most wanted Bhai’. As the first film as a hybrid release ”“ theatrical and digital, Radhe released in cinemas on 13 May in Australia, NZ and Fiji by Zee Studios.

The Sultan of Bollywood spoke to us ahead of Radhe’s release in an exclusive print interview.

Last time the superstar arrived in Australia, he created a storm with his star studded ”˜Dabangg’ tour. As now a star-studded film hits the theatres after more than a year, we ask him what his fans should expect from Radhe and how he came onboard with the script. “They should expect whatever they expect from my films. And much more! My brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri had this film. When I heard the script it really appealed to me. It didn’t take me much time to say a yes,” tells Salman to us.

Radhe also reunites Salman Khan with actors Jackie Shroff, Randeep Hooda and Disha Patani. When asked about his great chemistry with his co-stars and a request to share some fun moments from the sets, he said, “The most fun moments occurred when we were trying to give this film our best. When it came to the comedy scenes, a suggestion would come from myself or Prabhu, and we used to share a few laughs to check if it was over the top. For the action scenes, we tried to make it look more difficult so it looked better on screen. For the songs, we kept on improvising on the dance steps and Prabhu coming in making it more fun and enjoyable.  It was all about working together which was so much fun. The hard work put in this film gave us tremendous amount of satisfaction,” reveals the actor.

Besides his acting, Salman Khan is also known for unique dance style and popular songs. The songs of Radhe marks his trademark swag style. When asked about his favourite song, Salman quips, “I love all the songs! They are fantastic songs and very upbeat.”

The Wanted and Dabangg actor also has a long association with his director-cum-choreographer Prabhu Deva as he directs him for the third time. When we tell him that Prabhu calls him an ”˜effortless dancer’, Salman shows his humble side by calling Prabhu the effortless dancer. “I have to put in a lot of effort in my dancing, he is the one who makes me look effortless. Even when he shoots me, he makes sure I look good and stylish. He makes me look comfortable. That’s his quality as a director and choreographer,” tells Salman.

Though the star has had a successful acting career since his superhit film Maine Pyaar Kiya, his fans often wonder if he is ready to explore different genres. When questioned him, he confides, “Not really, I like doing what I do. I feel that this is what the fans want to watch. The film needs a good plot and then we make sure the viewers enjoy themselves in the theatre. Especially in times like nowadays where there is so much misery going on, my attempt through my films is for the audience to get away from their daily problems, be happy, motivate them and take them away from their monotonous routine and problems.

Besides being an actor, Salman is also a singer, painter, television artist and philanthropist. But is there anything about this super star that we don’t know? Says Salman, “You see is what you get. This is who I am. This is me giving my best. And the best comes because of the people that I’m working with. They extract the best out of me. Whatever you see of me on Big Boss, Dus ka dum, music shows, dance shows or my films, that is who I am.

And that’s what we admire about him. Do you have a special message for your fans in Australia as Radhe releases here?

“If they have the time and money and an inclination to watch the film, go to the theatre and watch Radhe. You won’t be disappointed. This film gives a strong message about an undercover cop who makes a commitment to one child that he is going to clean the city from drugs, so young kids do not get addicted to drugs. The drug mafia has always been an issue in our country and this film tackles with it,” says Salman.

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