Who did Salman Khan warn in Dubai?

Who did Salman Khan warn in Dubai?

Salman Khan is 'Salman bhai' to several stars, but the Bollywood superstar might be finally drawing the line when it comes to who gets to call him 'brother'. Salman was in Dubai today (November 12) to announce details of the second season of the Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) with Sonakshi Sinha, Kangna Ranaut, Sohail Khan, Suniel Shetty and many other celebs for company. And when Southern star Richa Gangopadhyay got on stage at the Zabeel Saray ballroom, and thanked 'Salman bhai' for his role in the league, the phrase had the man himself amused.

Salman spread out his hands in mock despair and said, "Don't call me Salman bhai! I've got two sisters – that's more than enough!" Richa then revealed that she was playing Sonakshi's role in the Tamil remake of 'Dabangg', to which Sallu responded, "Say my name once again please". There was no 'bhai' this time, and Salman was finally satisfied!

And as he talked about how his brother Sohail's CCL team Mumbai Heroes would have Sharjah as its home ground this year (CCL matches will be held at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on January 13-14, 2012), Salman was his usual funny self.

He explained with a deadpan expression that the Mumbai Heroes got their "(a*&%@) kicked very badly last season. We will try to kick this time…or we will gets ours kicked again"; he burst out laughing when Sohail was said to have 'multiple qualities and talents'; he looked shocked when Suniel called him Bhai ("Sohail and I were 5 and 10 years old when we came to your wedding – why are you calling me bhai?"); joked about a comparison between CCL and IPL ("Suniel says CCL will be bigger than IPL in season three. But I've got nothing to do with it."). In short, Salman was a riot.

He was excited about all the teams playing in the CCL – Chennai Rhinos, Telugu Warriors, Bengal Tigers (new to the league, owned by Boney Kapoor), Kerala Strikers (new to the league, co-owned by Malayalam superstar Mohanlal), Karnataka Bulldozers and Mumbai Heroes. Salman added that he would be in Sharjah for the matches in January - where the Mumbai Heroes would play the Tamil and Telugu teams, led by Surya and Venkatesh respectively. We're looking forward to those matches - meanwhile, here's what we got asking the 'Bodyguard' when we caught up with him.

If women were playing in the Celebrity Cricket League, which Bollywood actresses would you pick for your team?
I don't know if any of them play cricket – I haven't seen anyone play. And if you haven't seen someone play, you don't know what the result of having them in the team might be! One lady I've seen play cricket is Diana Edulji (former Indian women's test cricketer), and she was good. Oh, and then there was Rani (Mukherji) who trained, practised and played for 'Dil Bole Hadippa'.
(We tell Salman that during our interview with Sonakshi she said she'd love to play herself) Then I'd pick Sonakshi too.

And if you could pick professional cricketers to be part of the Mumbai Heroes…?
There's a rule that those who've played Ranji Trophy cannot play in the Celebrity Cricket League. But if there were no such rules…the list of players would be endless. Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri….I'd like to have all of them be a part of our team. We've had so many great players.

Why don't you play yourself for the Mumbai Heroes?
I've been so busy recently that there's been no time to practise. And I don't think one should play without practising. Also, Sohail owns the team, and he's my brother, so it shouldn't seem like that's the reason I'm playing in the team. There are many talented players out there who should get a chance.

What sports do you enjoy playing and watching?
There's cricket, of course. I also quite like football and cycling.

You were offered 'Chak De India' – why did you refuse it?
I don't know. The movie did become a big hit. (Thinks) At that point of time my fans would've probably expected me to wear a mini-skirt and play hockey in it! The movie didn't happen. I did watch 'Chak De', and it was quite a good film.

What are your favourite sports-themed movies?
Well, we've only had two big ones – 'Lagaan' and 'Chak De'. I liked them both.

You're working with Sonakshi again in 'Kick' and 'Dabangg 2'. Is it any different shooting with her after 'Dabangg'?
Sonakshi is family to me, so I never feel any different with her. It's always great and comfortable.