Coming as a shock to some, our hero from BW, Salman Khan, believes in something profound that seems to have become the quintessential mantra of today’s work obsessed culture governing the industries: “You are known for the last work that you have done.”
In a conversation quite casual ahead of his much awaited movie Sikandar’s release, we met the superstar waiting to be interviewed in an empty cinema in Dubai. The ambiance of the room was unusually strategic and it serves to illustrate Khan’s legacy and his overconfidence. With Sikandar now out in the UAE, the ever popular ‘Bhaijaan’ seems to be ahead, as always anticipating and setting new trends that show there is no room for lazy in the A list. His monumental work makes one thing certain: comebacks are always possible, a past success is a hard earned credential but nothing is enough.
From Eid, to Eid, year after year, Salman Khan never fails to completely alter and upgrade his persona. With millions waiting to see him on screen, his unwavering bond with the audience has cemented his presence as modern day Eidiyah. The devotion fans reserve for his films borders on religious fervor, a cycle of celebration with his movies serving as markers with Sikandar being the latest heir to this crown of blockbuster movies.
Just when it seemed that his star power was dimming, Salman returns yet again with a new drama filled with action to be showcased on the big screen. This time, he is accompanied by none other than Rashmika Mandanna, who has been pulling the attention of many for her roles alongside some of modern-day Bollywood’s heartthrobs. Seeing these two big names together is something that makes people go gaga over the unexpected cinematic experience, and that is why the fans cannot wait to see the film.
Now let us answer the question, why action packed? Sikandar is not just another Salman Khan movie. This too has a slice of something special. It comes from the mind of the one and only A.R. Murugadoss, the man who brought us the 2007 blockbuster Ghajini. Seeing the reputation of Murugadoss with action packed stories and Salman’s raw intensity and emotional depths, Sikandar will be nothing short of spectacular.
But the best part of Salman’s philosophy comes from his words: “you are known for the last work that you have done, and your last work should always be given its best shot”. After this, you cannot glance over the achievements, you ought to move forward, continue working, and try to exceed your accomplished milestones.
With decades glued to the limelight, this specific mindset allows Salman to still be relevant even today. A peculiar attribute, given how it is scarce to find people these days who are not washed away by nostalgia, yet Salman takes every single show, every movie as a chance for him to display the fact that he squanders no opportunity quite like using it to perform beyond expectation.
Not only did Bhaijaan achieve all the success through his working out and good looks, he has formed a reputation as someone who evolves with his films, dedicating himself on a level which knows no limits. As an artist who takes pride in his work with an unrelenting drive, Bhaijaan also realizes that the audience always craves something new.
Even though the whole world may have seen Salman Khan as one of the biggest stars in India for decades, it is his sleepless hunger for improvement that assures us he is still active. Sikander surely brings to us this reminder that the journey for this superstar is still not finished and that he has so much more to offer us in the future.