‘I am a man now’ salman

He is not exactly the boy that you would love to accept as your son-in-law. He is controversial, always in the news for the wrong reasons. Yet, Salman Khan has something in him that makes him one of the most eligible bachelors in the country, even at the age of 43. With his TV show Dus Ka Dum doing well in its second season too, Sallu is riding high. Here's the actor chatting with Srabanti Chakrabarti. Excerpts:

How has your show Dus Ka Dum been different from what it was last year?

(Smiles) It is not different! I am doing the same stuff that you saw me doing last time. I am trying to make my audience laugh and contestants comfortable enough to win. I will not read out what is given in the script, but improvise on the spot. I am the same Salman Khan who gives love and respect to his guests. If you want to see any more dhoom dhadaka you will need to come to the sets. The success of this show depends largely on the reaction of the audience reaction as well. It is all about love, peace and respect.

Last year Shah Rukh Khan and you launched your shows almost simultaneously. While Dus Ka Dum succeeded, Paanchvi Pass… failed. This year, however, there is no such competition. Are you relieved?

Thank you for asking me this question. Let me clear the air once and for all. I felt very bad for Shah Rukh when Paanchvi… did not run as well as expected. I don't know how many people will believe me, after the various rumours that have been floated, but I genuinely wanted the show to do well. Everyone from that team put in a lot of hard work. I want every show to run well. After all, if we don't do well, what will you (media) write about and how will you survive? And, let me also tell you that I am not relieved because there is no competition this time. On the other hand, the performance pressure has increased after last year's success. Sony called me again because I was good last time. I have to be better this time.

What were your best moments in the last season of Dus Ka Dum?

I think the episode involving Aamir and Imran Khan. I still feel Aamir should have gone for Rs 10 crore. One episode where I became very emotional was the first one with BMC worker Akshita. It was through my show that her parents finally accepted Laxmi (a eunuch) as her husband.

Has hosting Dus Ka Dum changed you?

Oh yes! It has definitely made me much more patient. I am a much more composed person now. I was a hot-headed boy earlier, now I am a man.

Any inspiration behind your unique hosting style…

I think I have got it from my parents. They are immensely loved and respected in the industry. No matter how much of trouble they have been in, I have always seen them cheerful and spreading a positive environment. I wanted to do that to the audience through Dus Ka Dum. In a way this show is a gift for my parents.

Is it true that you have hiked your price manifold after the success of the show last year?

Not really. I have a small account in the bank, which can hold only limited money, and I have reached the limit. So I have cut down on my prices. But I have also told the channel authorities that since I have cut down on my price, I will not invite my celebrity friends. They will need to take care of celebrity guests!

What if Sony decides to call Shah Rukh?

Oh that would be wonderful! He is most welcome on my show. Why should I mind having him on my show? (Smiles) Even if I did, would I have told you? Jokes apart, this is just a game show after all. I am not going to marry him, right? So what is the harm?

What does Salman Khan watch on television?

I never stick to any particular channel whenever I am in front of the television. I always flip from one channel to the other. Sometimes, I am stuck to Sun TV! I love the dancing style, though I can hardly make anything of the language.

I have recently watched a few episodes of Balika Vadhu. It's a cute show. But sometimes, television channels cross limits. Television is a medium, which we Indian watch with our families. They should not air programmes with inappropriate content. Our modern generation should give emphasis more on values and tradition, which is lacking in today's society.

Have you watched the IPL?

Cricket is not my favourite game. But, my dad and brothers are glued to it. I love cycling and swimming.

Your friendship with Aamir Khan seems to be growing…

Is there anything wrong with it? I was really amazed after I saw him in Ghajini. I knew he is a guy who gives 100% to everything he does, but I was truly astonished to see his body. I have spent 22 years in this industry and have never maintained my body properly (smiles)! I have taken a lot of tips from him and you can see the result. I have reduced a lot!

You did not vote, though you campaigned for candidates. Why was that?

I would have definitely voted, if I were in India. I was in London shooting for Anil Sharma's Veer. The stakes were too high and I just could not ditch him at the last moment. I didn't want to stop everything there and fly back to Mumbai, vote and show off. I am not that kind of a person. And, though I campaigned for a candidate, I will never contest for any election because to serve my country, I don't need to contest the elections. In India, I think there should be a law that if you are healthy and present in the country, you must vote. If you are not, you will be penalized.

The press is gaga with rumours about your new friend Claudia…

This is a question that my family should ask me, not you. Claudia is a friend. She was at my place, met my family and that is it. Nothing more than that.

Is marriage with Katrina on the cards?

I don't know when it will happen. Every time this question is asked, I feel pressurised. I know my fans want me to get married and settled, but I really do not have a proper answer. It can happen this year, after two years or may be five years. They will ask me again and again the same question and my answer will be the same.

What are the new projects you are working on?

Apart from Veer, I have Wanted, Main Aur Mrs. Khanna and London Dreams. All the four movies are unique and have different flavours.