salman's next to start with a bang!

Mumbai, Nov. 8 -- Salman Khan's present good run at the box office might have started with Wanted in 2009. But it was with the mega-hit Dabangg in 2010 that he became the actor who can do no wrong. The film, about an over-the-top corrupt cop with a conscience, Chulbul Pandey, was the biggest grosser of Salman's career at that point.

Naturally, the expectations from the sequel (set to launch in December) are very high, especially with brother Arbaaz Khan replacing Abhinav Kashyap in the director's seat. The makers are trying to start things off on a grand note, with an elaborate music launch on November 15, where Malaika Arora Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Sonakshi Sinha will be dancing to their respective item numbers from the film.

Munni, the item number from the first film, was a major hit. So, this time, Dabangg 2 will have two item numbers - while Fevicol features Kareena, another song, Pandeyji seeti bajaye features Sonakshi and Malaika. An insider from the production house reveals that all three will be performing live at the event. "Even Salman is expected to be performing," he says. The film's music composer, Sajid says, "Kareena, Malaika and the others will perform. This will be one of the biggest music launches."

With Dabangg's music having been such a hit, the composers Sajid-Wajid have a high standard to attain. "People are expecting something big from us. We have put our blood and soul into the sound," says Sajid.

Are they worried about people comparing the new item numbers to Munni? "We are aware that there will be comparisons, but we'll let the audience decide about the music," he says.

HT Media Limited