He is known by many names — Chulbul Pandey, Dabangg Khan, Tiger Khan, Bhai…etc. And, Salman Khan says that he is many of these characters in real life too. “These are names given by you guys (the media) only. I play all these characters depending on the circumstances that life poses. I am sometimes Chulbul Pandey especially when I need to pull someone’s leg. I occasionally become ‘Dabangg’, too, but on the whole I never intend to hurt anyone. I love to turn into a ‘Tiger’ for the high society,” says Salman, adding, “But I like the kids, they just call me Salman or Salman Khan.”
With movies making more money than ever before, Salman says that the day isn’t far when the `300-crore barrier will be broken. “We will definitely bring BO collections to more than `300 crore. But not immediately. It will take at least three to four years. But I promise this change will be brought about by us,” he says.
Salman says that it is now more important than ever that he stays fit at this stage of his life. “I am in my 40s so I need to be fit to do action roles. Most of the characters I play are larger-than-life and I have to look young,” he adds.
The actor is all praises for co-star Sonakshi Sinha, who debuted with Dabangg. “She has performed brilliantly. In fact, after finishing Dabangg we started with the sequel. She had to keep her weight on for this role as she was to be pregnant for the role. After completing the film, she lost the weight. Sonakshi will be performing in Dabangg 3 too.”
His brother Arbaaz Khan has directed Dabangg 2 and Salman thinks that he has done a great job. “He is a sincere guy. In fact, I feel he is like Feroz Khan in many ways, who donned all the three hats — actor, director and producer. We were very comfortable and would sort out our creative differences in an orderly manner. I am sure that reflects in the film too.”
He adds, “We would have been a little more careful with the finances if the money was borrowed from outside. But, with Malaika being the producer it was a khandaan affair. Not that we spent injudiciously, but yes, with our own finances if something was needed then we would not think twice.”