Bollywood superstar Salman Khan recently opened up about his early aspirations of becoming a director, revealing that he faced rejection when he sought direction work at just 17 years old. The actor shared his story on his nephew Arhaan Khan’s podcast, Dumb Biryani, where he discussed his journey in the entertainment industry and offered career advice to his nephew.
Salman’s Early Dream to Direct
Salman Khan recalled how he was passionate about directing even as a teenager. “I remember being very clear that I wanted to be a director. I used to model, and after that, I pursued direction. I used to write at that time, and I still do. But back then, since I wanted to be a director, I would write as well,” Salman shared. However, despite his enthusiasm and skills, the industry wasn’t ready to take him seriously. “Nobody gave me work as a director. I was 17 years old. They said, ‘Yeh baccha kya direct karega?’ (How can this kid direct?).”
The Shift to Acting
When doors to directing remained closed, Salman found himself pushed into acting. He explained that wherever he went, people told him to start acting. Eventually, he started creating videos with his friends Nasir, Nazim, and Kazim. “In those videos, I was neither the comedian nor the villain—I was the hero,” Salman said, highlighting how he unintentionally took on a starring role even in these small projects.
Salman’s Bollywood Debut and Success
Salman made his Bollywood debut in 1988 with a supporting role in Biwi Ho Toh Aisi, featuring Rekha and Farooq Sheikh. His big breakthrough came when he starred as the lead in Sooraj Barjatya’s Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), a film that became a massive success and made him a household name. Over the years, Salman delivered numerous hits like Baaghi: A Rebel for Love, Kurbaan, Patthar Ke Phool, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, and Karan Arjun, among many others, solidifying his place as one of the most bankable actors in Bollywood.
Salman’s Upcoming Projects
Salman Khan is gearing up for the release of his next film, Sikandar, directed by AR Murugadoss. The action drama, starring Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal, and Sharman Joshi, is set to hit theatres this Eid. Salman last appeared in Tiger 3, alongside Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi, which became a huge commercial success.
Despite his long and successful career in acting, Salman’s early dreams of directing remain a part of his story, a reminder of how his journey to stardom took an unexpected turn.
