Salman's Interview

Salman Khan sauntered into the studio like Alex, the hungry lion, from Madagascar and smirked at me like I was a pure sirloin steak.

But t'was too late to back out. I sat back warily as the good-looking Yuvvraaj of the moment stretched lazily before settling down for our first ever interview – after an era of knowing each other, almost. It makes for a rocker — uh, huh, for the readers I mean. Read on ...

Surprise! Surprise! That Salman was coming together with Subhash Ghai only now? Their first film together after a Karz kinda lifetime?

Not really. Aamir still hasn't done a film with Subhashji. Sometimes it takes success to get people together, sometimes not. In retrospect, I am glad that Subhashji's offer came now and not three films earlier — as all of them were flops. This is what I don't like about the industry, your body of work could be vast and impressive — phir ek aadhi picture nahin chalti, and they write you off. This is Subhash Ghai we are talking about; how can we ever forget the blockbusters he's dished out over the years? SG and I hope to recreate that magic. And yes, everything is big about Yuvvraaj — its cast, its budget, its maker, its scale — even its expectations.

Any Friday fears? How do critics affect you?

Critics? Who follows critics? If critics could make good films then I'd give them credit for their judgment. Unki khudki picture pitt-jaati hai, so they don't have the right to comment on our films. I don't believe in ratings. Strangely, whenever my movies have been thoughtlessly criticized, they've gone on to become huge hits.

You have worked with Katrina in two films, but this is the first time you're romantically paired? More romance to be expected?

I don't do too much romance in films, whatever I do is all light-hearted romance with some comedy. I treat my on-screen romance like a romantic comedy. A girl looking into a guy's eyes, loud music in the background, some flowers; and you need to have a slight edge where you have to flash a smile. Phir bhagte bhagte aaye aur gale lag gaye... such romance doesn't work for me in real life!

How much credit would you take for Katrina's success? She is Top Kat today.

It's not fair taking her credit away from her. I'd love to say that it's all because of me, but it's not true. I haven't pushed her; she's very hard-working. I've only done two movies with her. In Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya and Partner, I wasn't cast opposite her and the first film that she signed was Sarkar. She has about five films with Akshay, and she is working with Saif and John. Her films are doing well and she's looking good.

There's a Yuvvraaj song that goes Tuhi Toh Meri Dost Hai, because Gulzar saab believes that good friendship comes first; then you become a couple? Do you believe in that?

I do 100 per cent! It's friendship first, always. You don't romance your worst enemy, unless you're James Bond. Ha, ha, ha!

Hmmnn! Bond! SG had mentioned that if an Indian 'Bond' was ever chosen, the pick would be Salman. Agree?

Well, I'd rather play Gunmaster G9 than Bond. I so loved Mithunda in Suraksha and those fun films. Agent Vinod, even!

You always had a 007 kinda body; even when 006-packs weren't a fad? The first?

Not really. Dharamji always had a super body, long before everyone. And he worked naturally with baithaks, push-ups. Now of course, we have weight equipment and all. As for the 6-pack and 8-pack talk — it's hard to get and tougher to maintain.

So which star would you say has the best bod in (male) filmdom today?
Aamir Khan is looking good and is in very good shape right now. Apart from that who are the stars?

But what about John's exposure?

I don't think you need to do all that kind of stuff, because we watch our films with our mothers and grandmothers. But each to his own. If he feels this is what he wants to do then he should do it. I feel this overexposure is a bit much.

On Children's Day you commented, "It's high time I have my own children!" You meant that?
I've always wanted to have children, but don't you have to be married for that? Ha ha ha!

Well, not really ...
Naw! I believe in the institution of marriage!

So when dude?
In a while. A long, long, long while ... hahahaha!

Source: TOI