In a candid heart-to-heart with Filmfare, Bollywood’s eternal superstar opens up about the life lessons fame and controversy have taught him, while also talking about the ill effects of being a star.

When it comes to Salman Khan, there are no half measures. His journey in Bollywood– a whirlwind of towering highs and turbulent lows– has been nothing short of legendary. Speaking exclusively to Filmfare, the superstar bared his soul, reflecting on the invaluable lessons life’s extremes have taught him.

“I’ve learnt that you can’t take anything for granted”, he says with characteristic honesty. Adding, “To stay at the top, you need to fight.” Despite personal setbacks and public scrutiny, Salman emphasises the importance of professionalism. “No matter how down you are, how messed up you are, that shot has to be done right. You have to make people laugh on the show even though you could be going through so much. You can’t be depressed while promoting a film. That’s a battle that one will always have to fight.” he shares, offering a rare glimpse behind the public persona.

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Opening up further, he revealed the unseen pressure actors face– the expectation to smile, perform, and entertain even when life behind the scenes is weighed down by personal turmoil. Recalling a particularly tough moment when his brother actor Arbaaz Khan was summoned in an IPL betting case, Salman shared how he had to carry on promoting Race 3 without letting his emotions surface. He said, “People don’t understand it’s our job. No matter how down you are, that shot has to be done right.”

Khan, cementing his unwavering devotion to entertaining his audiences, further says, “People, who’ve taken time out to watch you on TV or on social media, are there to enjoy.” Addressing how actors and public personalities are constantly under the public gaze, Khan talks about the judgements and opinions that could sometimes deter a person. He added, “Like some judge or a public prosecutor or some people will judge you saying, his verdict is coming up but he’s busy laughing and joking. But this is my job. I have to do this no matter what my parents, my family, my friends and I are going through.”

Meanwhile, the superstar’s slate remains as packed as ever, with high-octane projects and collaborations with top directors on the horizon. Although his latest release, Sikandar, directed by A. R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala did not do exceptionally well at the box office, Salman shows no signs of slowing down. Giving a green signal to the much-anticipated sequel, Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2, the actor is excited about bringing back one of his most beloved characters, promising that the emotional journey of Pavan Kumar Chaturvedi will continue to strike a powerful chord.

Whether it’s evolving with the times or staying rooted in his signature style, Bhai remains, as always, a phenomenon in motion. Through fame and infamy, lessons and legacies, one thing remains certain– Salman Khan’s story is far from over.

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