Mumbai—Salman Khan, the Bollywood superstar who turns 60 this year, is experiencing newfound enthusiasm and ease, both in his personal fitness regimen and his professional life. “Sixty and all doesn’t matter. Today, the way I train and whatever I do, it is better than what I was in my 20s, 30s, and 40s. I don’t feel it at all. In fact, it’s a lot easier, it’s a lot better,” Salman revealed in an interview with PTI.
The actor, whose next film “Sikander” premieres this Sunday, expresses that his passion for the craft is at an all-time high, even surpassing his youthful zeal. Having debuted in a supporting role in 1988’s “Biwi Ho To Aisi,” Salman Khan’s breakthrough in “Maine Pyar Kiya” the following year propelled him into stardom, a status he maintains 36 years later as he approaches his milestone birthday on December 27.
“Work-wise, everyone’s experience is there. Chronologically, it gives you that experience, with the people you meet, the people you work with, and life experiences that teach you a lot. The enthusiasm has not gone away. With the increase in experience, even the enthusiasm has increased. So now, the combination of being enthusiastic and being experienced is the best combination in the world,” Salman stated.
This blend of passion and expertise, he says, is a combination he intends to harness in the years to come. Salman Khan has firmly established himself as a major star in Hindi cinema, with blockbuster hits such as “Karan Arjun,” “Andaz Apna Apna,” “Judwaa,” “Partner,” “Dabangg,” “Bodyguard,” “Ek Tha Tiger,” “Sultan,” and “Tiger Zinda Hai.”
Alongside fellow Khans Shah Rukh and Aamir, Salman has shaped the Bollywood industry, shattered box office records, and amassed a dedicated fan base. Addressing the trio’s continuing appeal as they all turn 60, Salman emphasizes the diverse talent within the industry. “It’s a bit unfair,” he remarked, pointing to other significant figures such as Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar, and the new wave of actors like Vicky Kaushal.
Salman Khan acknowledges that every actor, regardless of their stature, experiences both successes and failures. He notes that while a devoted fan base might ensure initial turnout, the enduring success of a film relies on its ability to draw audiences back. “Only if the film is good, only if they like the film will they go and see the film. Otherwise, the film will not do so well. Some people might just go and see the film, some might like it, and some may not. So, all of this will reflect on the box office collections.
“But the hero of the film is not Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Aamir Khan, Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar…the hero of the film is the film itself. It is the destiny of the film. It is how well the film has been made, and how it connects with the people who go to the theatre spending their hard-earned money, what they think of the film,” Salman added.
Reflecting on past works, Salman highlighted how films like “Andaz Apna Apna” and “Love” were later celebrated despite initial lukewarm receptions. “A film like ‘Love’, which I really loved but it did not do well. Then there’s ‘Andaz Apna Apna’, and now that we’ve OTT and satellite, this film is a cult film,” he commented.
In “Sikander,” Salman plays Sanjay Rajkot, also known as Sikandar, a classic Hindi film hero challenging corruption and defending the rights of ordinary citizens. Directed by A R Murugadoss and featuring Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar, the movie, produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, will be released in theaters on Sunday.
Past successes of Salman’s Eid releases, including hits like “Wanted,” “Dabangg,” “Bodyguard,” “Kick,” “Sultan,” and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” have set high expectations for his upcoming film. As Salman Khan enters his 60s, his combination of experience and enthusiasm not only highlights his enduring presence in Bollywood but also hints at the exciting projects to come.
