WILL CHULBUL PANDEY BREAK TIGER KHAN’S RECORD?
From Wanted (September 2009) till now, the dynamics of a Salman Khan Friday can only be compared to the dynamics of another Salman Friday. Such has been the meteoric rise of this rebellious star, in the last three years, that he has left his contemporaries way behind in the box office race.Naturally, even as Dabangg 2 carpetbombs theatres globally today, the industry is busy hedging bets on whether Chulbul Pandey (of Dabangg 2) will break the records of Tiger (Ek Tha Tiger), the highest grosser of the year till now.
Producer-distributor NR Pachisia says, “ETT is so far the biggest earner this year. So, Dabangg 2 is only competing with Tiger.’’ Filmmaker Arbaaz Khan says, “Only Salman can break the record of another Salman film. He has an image and a following that is so huge, it’s hard for another hero to take him on in the current scenario.”
Arbaaz also believes that like Munna Bhai, people haven’t had enough of Chulbul. “Have you ever heard of a flop film having a sequel?” he asks, reiterating the need for making Dabangg 2.
And while Arbaaz is adamant that only his brother can play Chulbul, Salman is more gracious. “Chulbul is a larger-than-life character, a hero. Any of the other Khans could have been in my shoes,” he says.
The superstar adds, “When Aamir Khan did Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak (1988), Shah Rukh Khan did Deewana (1992) and I did Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), we were nobody.
Yet, we pulled off those films. And 20 years later, we are still here, working harder than ever before. If the lead character is wellwritten and the film is good, that is half the battle won. I certainly don’t think I’m head and shoulders above anyone.”
Refusing to fall prey to box-office pressures, Salman says, “The audience decides how big a hit each film is going to be. I just ensure that I continue to do ‘hero’ characters, because I know everyone goes to the theatre to see a winner. No one roots for a loser.”
Salman Khan
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