New Delhi: If you have a knack for surprising news and exciting events, you know who your man is. Yes, he might not be producing 'quality' content in a critic's term, but he is not there to be ignored. The personification of sheer star power, Salman Khan is known for throwing people completely out of hook as his dry sense of humour is amusing as well as penetrating.
Born as Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan on December 27, 1965, he is the flag-bearer of something called super-stardom. Probably the most powerful Hindi film 'star' of current times, Salman is raw, tender and intimidating, all at the same time.
We all have seen journalists taking his bites and photographs from a distance, thus it was really interesting to see Karan Johar trying to bring forth Salman's hidden sides on his chat show 'Koffee With Karan'.
Johar has worked with him in 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' and thus it was understandable that he knows the actor's actual nature. So, when Salman declared that he is still a virgin in his usual carefree style, it was like a googly for Johar who simply didn't know how to react.
Salman's virginity is something only he could answer about and ideally it should be left to him, but what hit me was his conviction and easygoing attitude while saying it.
This reminded me that despite countless controversies and arguments, he is more or less the same man he once used to be, in a way, still a virgin.
'Koffee With Karan' was like a revelation as he came across as an actor who puts himself way behind his contemporaries in terms of acting talent, but is completely aware of his presence and fan frenzy. Aamir Khan rightly said on the same show, 'Salman reminds me of a lion.'
His fans like his every move on 'Bigg Boss', a show where he is more like a tough-to-please viewer than a host. Can you remember the episode where Kushal Tandon fought with Ajaz Khan after getting evicted from the show? Salman Khan was laughing inconsolably right in front of him making Kushal realise that he is nothing more than a newcomer.
Similarly, whenever any contestant tries to reach out to him in order to get some brownie points, he immediately stops them. In my opinion, only those people can afford to do so who are in total control of the situation and know that little mistakes here and there can't unsettle their position.
He refrains from commenting on others now, something he has done for a good part of his life. For example his comments on 'Guzaarish' and the people who passed Fatwa against him. Still, there is something inside him which forces him to speak up his mind in a crude manner. 'Bigg Boss 7' saw an interesting moment when he started giving Kushal a piece of his mind after the latter fought with Tanishaa. He began, stopped, began again, stopped again and then finally after thinking thrice went on with his initial ideas.
His latest performance at the box-office proves Aamir right, "We need script, technicians and good directors, Salman doesn't need any of these."
Take a look at the trailer of his next film 'Jai Ho'. You will realise that it's a smart attempt to capitalise the popular contemporary social sentiments. It's going to be a 'masala' film with a superstar talking about the basic human rights. Isn't this extraordinary? There is someone who is way above the average in terms of money, power and influence, but is ready to talk about localised issues. Do you have any doubt about the volume of the whistles and claps he will get in return? This is due to his virgin rawness which helps him strike a connect with the audience.
On 'Bigg Boss', he talked to Sunny Deol with so much affection that for a second everyone forgot that he is the same host who doesn't hesitate in passing negative remarks. It seems he believes in the old world charm where one was expected not to open mouth in front of the seniors. Till the time Salim Khan was on 'Koffee With Karan', Salman remained closed and turned into a happy-go-lucky man the moment his father left the sets.
He is known as a family man. Those who are promoted by him are parts of his extended family, and together all of them make a formidable army. An army which swears by its leader, a leader whose personal life is almost like a feature on celluloid.
He has once again extended the olive branch to Shah Rukh Khan, he openly praises Akshay Kumar and jokes about Ranbir Kapoor. Salman Khan has matured a lot in last couple of years, I guess he knows that there is nothing to be scared about. And, this is not about the top position anymore.
On his 48th birthday, I wish him many more years of stardom. And, I will be glad to see him less guarded while facing the camera next time.####
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