Salman Khan in New Delhi to Promote Ek Tha Tiger

Inside the quiet Yash Raj studio, on the fourth floor of its main block, on Wednesday, there was a sudden excitement as Salman Khan walked into the conference room. He strutted towards the makeshift stage, readily giving autographs. The stage was set for the Screen Preview of Ek Tha Tiger but Khan doesn't do the routine. Tired after a long day, he doesn't hesitate to get off the cushioned seat and sit on the stage floor instead.

In the Kabir Khan-directed Ek Tha Tiger, scheduled to release on August 15, Khan plays the role of a RAW agent, Tiger, in love with a suspect Pakistani scientist Zoya, played by Katrina Kaif. According to Khan, though the action in the film was gruelling, he preferred doing most of it on his own. "It's not like old Hindi films where it was easier to cheat the audience with body doubles," he says. The conversation remains mostly casual, and the questions gravitate more towards Khan, his organisation, Being Human, the 'Rs 100-crore club' and the way he dances.

Wearing a white Being Human tee and denim jeans, Khan sounds content with the charity-brand that revolves around his star persona. But he is cautious of not overdoing its promotion. "It would be taking it too far to wear Being Human clothes in my films," he says when asked if he will appear in the upcoming film in the brand's clothes.

He talks about the 'Rs 100-crore club', of which he has become a prominent member, with his last three films Dabbang, Ready and Bodyguard having crossed the "magic figure". "Ticket prices have increased and my fans, who were born with Maine Pyaar Kiya, are 22 years old now," he says.

Ek Tha Tiger has Kaif paired opposite Khan after a gap of seven years.The last movie they did together was Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya in 2005. But Kaif doesn't feel Khan has changed much as a co-star, performer or a human being. "Maybe, he has become calmer," she says.

Frequently quizzed by fans about the formula of his oddball dancing, Khan says he doesn't adhere to methods. "It's good to see middle-aged uncles letting themselves loose in parties; they feel empowered by the Chulbul Pandey kind of dancing; wouldn't it be odd to have a room full of Hrithik Roshans dancing in your party?" he says.

He is appreciative of Kaif's dancing skills, which the actress has showcased in recent chartbusters. "She is very hard-working and gets even the most intricate movement right," he adds.

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