A Tribute to Salman Khan

I have practically lived on movies. They have always been part of my staple diet since gaining consciousness. I see all kinds of movies, but since the last few years, I prefer watching ‘sensible’ cinema, especially Bollywood films. And when sensible cinema is uttered, there is only one name which comes to our mind immediately, viz. Aamir Khan. I have been an ardent Aamir Khan fan for two reasons, first, his talent and the second that I share my name with the super star.

I have never been a Salman Khan fan. I find him too stiff to be an actor. Acting as well as dancing seems to be an arduous task for our desi ‘mini hulk’. (As he is just 5’9”) I remember watching the 1999 Filmfare awards where he was honored with a Best Supporting Actor award for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. Manoj Bajpai was amongst the nominees for his immortal portrayal of Bhiku Mhatre in the cult film Satya. During Salman Khan’s acceptance speech he mentioned that Manoj Bajpai can win another award, but for him it will be very tough in the future. This showed that Salman Khan was aware of his shortcoming in the acting department. The only film to be an exception where he genuinely performed well and received critical acclaim was Tere Naam. (Salman Khan made me cry in this film. Usually when he cries on screen, I tend to laugh)

Today I saw Dabanng and Salman Khan has earned a zealous fan in me!

After watching Dabanng, I realized the Salman Khan aura. Why he has so many fans? Because he is what he is! That’s all I could think of.

His imperfect ‘bhaiyya’ dialect, his poor dialogue delivery, his super stiff dance, his Rajnikanth inspired Ray Ban exploits, all made me jump out of the seat and clap for him. His imperfections were appearing so perfect for Chulbul ‘Robinhood’ Pandey! Throughout the film my eyes were fixed on him. Yes, even during Munni Badnaam and even when the traditional looking beauty Sonakshi Sinha shared screen space with our Salman Khan.

I have never felt anything like this before!

When I watch an Aamir Khan film, I’m watching a Rancho, or a Bhuvan or a Nikumbh. But during Dabanng, it was SALMAN KHAN throughout!

Maybe it’s his imperfection. Maybe it’s his style. Maybe it’s his characteristic.

Now I know what it is to be a Salman Khan fan. Cheers to our Sallu bhai!

P.S.: The script for a prequel as well as a sequel to Dabanng is ready. I really hope both of them are made. I can’t wait to see Pandey-ji once again in action. Kamaal kartein hain Pandey ji.