Salman Khan Looks Back at His Film Journey, Says ‘Taj Mahal Is Never Built on Hate’ (EXCLUSIVE)

Few stars in Indian cinema have had the kind of longevity, fandom and cultural impact that Salman Khan has enjoyed. From “Maine Pyar Kiya” and “Saajan” to “Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!” and “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” the actor has remained one of Hindi cinema’s biggest crowd pullers across generations. In Variety India’s “My First,” Salman Khan reflects on the moments that shaped him, from terrifying stunts and career-defining friendships to discipline, family and instinct.

First Stunt That Made You Think, “Yeh Risk Zayada Ho Gaya”?

Oh yeah, quite a few. Once, we were shooting in Udupi for a film called “Jaagruti,” which I'm sure everyone has seen, excluding me. So there was an 80-foot mountain with a stomach. So when I saw it from down, I thought, yeah, I can do this jump. Earlier, we used to get like one or two boxes to jump on, but this jump was a high jump. Like, so they put three layers of boxes for me and a mattress on top. So I said, 'I've arrived now.' And climbed up and climbed up. From there, I couldn't see the boxes because the stomach was there. I had to jump based on my judgment. I was not going to do that jump, but the crowd had already gathered there. Saying that I will not do this jump now was very bad for my ego. So, I told myself I have to clear this and I knew the boxes are somewhere down there. When I looked at the boxes, it looked like a matchbox from that height. I had to jump, so I took a run-up, came, and slipped on the gravel. My hair skimmed the rock of the mountain, and I fell down.

First Big Splurge From Your Paycheque?

The first expensive thing I bought was a Rolex watch for my father, which, when I started wearing watches again, he gave me to wear. When I got the watch, I didn't have the money for it, but I liked it for my father. At that point in time, it cost something like nine lakh rupees. I had four rest I got as a loan. When I gave it to my dad, he said, ‘You haven't even started working properly, and you started doing all these things. Do you think of yourself as some king?’ While he wasn't in favor of me getting that watch, he later called it a piece of jewelry. When I started wearing watches, he gave me this one.

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I had stopped wearing watches for the last 26-28 years of my life. Now, if you see me wearing a watch, those aren't always mine. They belong to friends; I take them to try on, wear, and then they go back to them. So this whole thing is that he's got a collection of so many watches and so much... I just have that one Rolex. Rest all belong to my friends.

First Script You Read In One Night?

I've never read a script in my entire life. I've written them, but I've never read them. I listen to scripts because when I start reading them, I've got this problem that I'm reading the third line and my mind is on the fifth. So, the three lines are different. What I prefer is to hear the script from the writer or director. So I know what kind of film he's making and what his vision is. Otherwise, if I read it then, it goes into how I would make the film, and my vision would be different from the director's or the writer's.

First Person You Show Your Script To For Honest Feedback?

My father. Even today, if I'm confused about something, I always take it to him. Whatever he says, I do that. Usually, people come to you for advice and still do what they want to do. That's not the case with me.

First Cheat Meal After A Major Transformation?

Every day is a cheat meal for me. I'd rather spend that extra 20 minutes or that extra hour in the gym, but I'll eat. I'll eat what I eat. No matter how tasty the food is, I will take one tablespoon of rice. I don't touch rotis. And that's it. Then whatever protein I need, I will try and finish it with that one tablespoon of rice.

First Industry Friend Who Truly Believed In You?

That credit should go to Mohnish Bahl.

First Film Set Where You Felt At Home?

My first film. Sooraj Barjatya and I are like brothers. After that, the most amount of fun that I've had is with Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, and Sanju (Sanjay Dutt). Actually, all my films. I believe that you should work with people whom you like. If there's a script, and you have to do it, but you don't like the person, either you don't do the film or you get along with that person and do the film. Taj Mahal is never built on hate.

First Co-Actor You Bonded With?

Sanjay Dutt.

First Song Of Yours That Became A National Craze?

I've been lucky with this, but that whole thing of shirtless, singing, was “Oh Oh Jaane Jaana” (from "Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya").

What's The Secret Sauce To Your Success?

I don't know, and I don't think anyone would. I mean, they would say, work hard, right scripts, your lifestyle, your discipline, but you never know what your fans like or dislike. I just believe that if you really like something, go ahead and do it. But, it has to be morally, ethically and emotionally correct. And now politically.