Arnab Banerjee
New Delhi, February 14, 2007
Hindustantimes
Always in the news for all the wrong reasons, this Khan continues to hog headlines. And gets away with it.
Despite three of his films flopping at the box office last year consecutively – Jaaneman, Baabul and Salaam-e-Ishq, he has some interesting projects lined up for release this year and even directors like Kunal Kohli are waiting to sign him for their next. We are talking about the super brat Salman Khan.
Looking his dapper best, a tad old though, this Khan sure knows that the media loves him, and shows it too, as we settle down to chat.
Why else would he be so hopelessly irreverent and throw so much attitude? In the Capital to announce his latest gamble - he has taken the place of Shah Rukh Khan in the next line up of endorsement replacements.
MAyur Suitings will roll out a complete 360 degree marketing campaign through a print, radio and TV campaign.
Why Mayur?
Why not? I liked the idea of being associated with a brand that I have grown up seeing. Does anyone remember any other brand other than Mayur? When Riju Jhunjhunwala, the Joint Managing Director RSWM, came to me with the proposal he was very sweet and I liked him instantly.
That couldn't have the sole reason?
I have been very particular about my looks and the clothes I wear. Mayur Suitings is great and a dynamic brand that offers everything that I have been looking for. Their fabrics are smooth, comfortable elegant and add to my style. I am honored to be associated with them.
It was originally what Shah Rukh had endorsed?
I am honored to replace Shah Rukh. And Sehwag. Four years hence somebody else will be here to take my place. So what? Shah Rukh cannot give the brand what I can. Hey just kidding. He is great guy and a great fiend and hence I could take that kind of liberty to take pot shots at him. And he does the same to me too.
You think it's the Khans who are still ruling the movies?
I don't think it's the Khans at all. Why, there is Akshay Kumar and Hrithik Roshan - two of the most successful actors today. All this 'Khan ruling Bollywood' business is bunkum. Not every Khan is a hit. Where is Kadar Khan today? Or Fardeen Khan?
We don't look at success or failure on the basis of one's race, color or religion. No one does that in Mumbai. Only talent rules here in this industry. And by the way, I think Hrithik is great -, he is someone I simply adore, he was stupendous in Dhoom II.
One has heard of your newest passion – painting?
It is my passion and I hope to put up an exhibition when I have completed 40 of my paintings.
What genre does your passion belong to?
I think abstract.
You have also started doing too many commercials?
But I endorse only those which I myself believe in. I don't do commercials for the money. Or for any other reason. As one would notice, I endorse Red Tape and use their shoes always. I drink Thumbs up only.
In the season of marriages, when do we get to heart yours?
It's all in the hands of the Almighty. Without Him, none of use would be doing what we intend to do. So whenever He wills it, it will happen, I guess.
And who's the girl?
Hm…m keep guessing…
sorry if posted b4
Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
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