Salman refuses to promote Abhishek's film

Actor Salman Khan, who is more known for his pangas off-screen, seems to be in the mood to take on the world. A fact that came to light when the team working for his just-released film apparently refused some big productions a promo slot. And one of them was superstar Amitabh Bachchan's soon-to-release 'Buddha Hoga Tera Baap' being produced by son Abhishek Bachchan, who is married to Salman's former flame, Aishwarya Rai. Get the connection?

Now, well-placed sources in the industry say that Salman's increased affinity to the upcoming IIFA awards, to be held in Toronto this year, may have something to do with the Bachchan's no longer being the face of the event. "Big B was the official face of the event. His family religiously attended the event because of him and they would kind of play hosts to most actors attending the event. From the time Ash came into the picture, it was obvious that stars like Salman would not be comfortable lending equal support to the function," says the source.

But hey, that was only till last year, when Big B and the event parted ways. Little wonder then, Salman was the highlight of the event at the ceremony held in Sri Lanka last year. "The entire Bachchan parivaar was absent for the event. Salman stepped in and his popularity and star power saved the day for the awards show," reminisces the source.

This year, the event chose Salman to announce the function a few days back. Coincidence? "It's hard to say. Some say that this is the best way for Salman to show everyone that he's in top form. After all, his star status has catapulted to great heights post 'Dabangg'," explains the source.

Quiz Sabbas Joseph, director of the event managment that organises the awards show, if Sallu is indeed trying to replace the Bachchan's and he says, "Salman has attended several of our events in the past and our working relationship with him has been very strong. There is no strategy here." Ask him about the buzz that Salman is being considered as the next face of the event and he says, "Everyone, right from Abhishek Bachchan, Aishwarya Rai, Preity Zinta or Salman Khan is the face of the event. The industry is the brand ambassador.