Interview : Salman Khan

Controversies never eluded Salman Khan but the original six-pack boy of Bollywood has learnt the tricks of the trade and the rules of the road. With experience Salman has become more patient and diplomatic. He takes one question at a time and answers articulately. Our correspondent caught up with the actor who now entertains millions of TV audience as the host of a game show '10 ka Dum' on Sony

Weren't films enough?
Nothing but only the format attracted me. I never decide things, it just happened. I thought the format was interesting, easy and would appeal many.

Interesting...
Yes, it is easy for the contestants. 10 Ka Dum has an easy format and for this the contestants need not be extraordinarily educated or intelligent. This game show does not embarrass the contestants if they fail.

So you are comfortable hosting this show?
Oh certainly. It also does not require the host to be very intelligent. I think they got the right person to host this show. (Winks)

Is that confidence?
See, I might not be the best host but I don't think anyone else could have done this job better. I will do pretty much the same thing...acting and I know that is the only thing I can do to my best ability.

After Amitabh Bachchan and SRK you are hosting a show. Does that mean competition?
No way...please... You can't compare three individuals. We all have different styles. And I feel it's very unfair to compare me with Amitabh Bachchan...someone who's got high stature.

And what about SRK giving you some handy tips on hosting this show?
(He...he...he...pauses...ha...ha...ha....) How could that even come to your mind? Why will he give me tips? And why should I take tips from him?

Tell me how would you avoid the media attention now? You have always stayed away from limelight. You will be seen on television now.
See, I have changed a lot. I like answering things straight. So it won't be a problem. Earlier I had said many things openly, which got lost in translation. But they never bothered me but these days I feel scared. I get mails from my fans asking me aggressive questions...like... why did you do this...or did you do that. So I like being asked straight questions and prefer asking them straight. I also get anxious these days because my parents are getting old. They start panicking along with me. Tell me who would like to see his parents in that state?