Salman Khan reveals how 'Dus Ka Dum' saved his career from 'downfall'
Salman Khan reveals how 'Dus Ka Dum' saved his career from 'downfall'
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan candidly shares on Bigg Boss how 'Dus Ka Dum' helped him overcome immense negativity and reshape his public image. Learn about the pivotal advice from his father, Salim Khan, that changed
Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently opened up about a challenging phase in his career and personal life, revealing how the television game show 'Dus Ka Dum' played a crucial role in his turnaround. Speaking on the latest Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss, Khan shared insights from a time when he faced significant public scrutiny and negativity.
The actor recalled being in a difficult spot back in 2008, grappling with court cases, relationship troubles, and a general wave of negative media attention. It was during this period that he was offered 'Dus Ka Dum'. Initially, he was hesitant to take on the hosting role.
I wasn't going to do it because there was so much being talked about against me. Every newspaper, TV channel was thrashing me left, right and center,
he confessed to the Bigg Boss housemates. Seeking guidance, Khan turned to his father, renowned writer Salim Khan.
His father's advice proved to be a turning point. "He said, 'Don't you trust your personality, heart, and upbringing?' I said yes and he asked me to say yes to the show. He told me to be myself in the show." This simple yet profound advice encouraged Salman to embrace his authentic self on national television.
The impact of 'Dus Ka Dum' was immediate and transformative. Khan explained, "In that one show, they got to know who I was." He elaborated on how the audience began to see him as a person rather than just an actor, overshadowing his cinematic achievements like 'Maine Pyaar Kiya', 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun', and 'Karan Arjun'.
They just watched me on Dus Ka Dum because they didn't see an actor, they saw a person.
Drawing a parallel, Salman highlighted veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan's similar experience with 'Kaun Banega Crorepati'. He noted how KBC allowed audiences to connect with Mr. Bachchan on a personal level, evolving his public persona.
"The same thing happened with Mr Bachchan. The day he did KBC, he became Kaun Banega Crorepati uncle." After two successful seasons of 'Dus Ka Dum', Salman Khan transitioned to hosting 'Bigg Boss', a role he has continued for 17 seasons. He emphasized that 'Dus Ka Dum' helped clear his public image significantly, proving that being true to oneself, even amidst adversity, can lead to redemption and renewed connection with the audience.
"My image in the media was cleared in one episode. There were ups and downs after that as well, but you have to show who you truly are," he concluded, offering a valuable lesson to the contestants.