In conversation with a 'Salman Khan'

Salman Khan talks to reporters in Mangalore || Photo Courtesy: Mridula Benjamin

Hailing from an average middle class background, Salman Khan, winner of the 'Dance India Dance' season 1 has come a long way. Life for him has been very different ever since. Apart from performing all over the country, he is currently pursuing a career in Bollywood as well.

Here in Mangalore for the weekend to perform at the Bejai hall for the 'Dance Champion of Champions', a dance competition, he spoke about his life after the show and his experiences as a reality show star. Here are excerpts from the interview.

Q. Has dancing always been your childhood dream? What lead you towards dancing?

A. No, being a dancer was not my dream as a child. Growing up I always wanted to be a pilot. In college I was very interested in becoming a software engineer. But after ‘Dance India Dance’, the whole course of my life changed. Now I am only concentrating on acting and being as good as I can at it.

Q. How has your life change after Dance India Dance?

A. I am the same. But the people around me treat me differently. It has been a roller coaster ride for me. One minute I was just another guy from the city and the next minute someone everyone knows. It has been an overwhelming experience.

Q. What are your views on reality shows? There is a lot of speculation in the media about the scripting of reality shows.  What has your experience been like?

A. For me it was a very different experience. Dance India Dance’ was a first of its kind reality show. Things did not happen as we expected them to. We would sometimes not even know what is happening in the next show. Only certain situations were decided before hand without our knowledge. These were then presented to us on the show and then our reactions were then recorded.

Q. Do you think that the media puts too much pressure on participants of reality shows? Sometimes more than what they can handle?

A. If you are a participant, the pressure is always high. And I guess that is expected. The media in fact has been really helpful to us participants. Wherever I have been concerned, the media has portrayed the truth and I have not had any problems with what has been represented by the media about me so far.

Q. How far do you think reality shows really help a person reaching one’s dream?

A. There are so many different reality shows on different TV channels. But not everyone who performs in them are remembered. But yes, it definitely provides a platform to people who otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity. Earlier one would have to have contacts with the director of a movie or a choreographer in order to be able to make it big. It just depends on how well the participant uses these platforms.

Q. What was the experience of working in Bollywood been like?

A. It has been very pleasant so far. Mumbai is treating me very well. I am having a very good time there. Because of the show, people in the industry recognise me and welcome me instantly. And just that it self feels great.  And the place is definitely teaching me to be more focussed and it definitely makes you work harder.

Q. What are some of the difficulties that come along with this lifestyle?

A. Well the job involves a lot of travelling. I love travelling but sometimes it can get pretty hectic. One minute I am in Chennai, which is very hot while the next minute I am in Assam which is the other extreme. So maintaining my health in these circumstances really becomes a challenge for me. But I am managing to cope with it.

Q. What plans do you have for the future?

A. In the future I would like to get into full fledged acting.

Q. How has your experience in Mangalore been so far?

A. I love coming to this city as I have many friends here. I love the people. They are very warm and very welcoming. And I really love the food here. I enjoy sea food and especially love Mangalorean sea food dishes. I am sure tonight’s show will be an amazing experience.

Sub-edited by: Kimberley Tanya Dias