During a recent press meet promoting his upcoming film Sikandar, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan opened up about a variety of pressing topics, ranging from the ongoing debate over paid promotions and reviews to the industry's struggles in recent times. The candid conversation offered a glimpse into his thoughts on the business of filmmaking and the accountability that comes with being a prominent figure in the industry.
One of the key issues raised during the press meet was the responsibility of actors when a film doesn't perform well at the box office. Salman Khan shared his perspective, noting, “When the movie works, the actor doesn’t get much of anything, but when it fails, everyone wants the actor to do something. Our business is such. When you are doing business, I guess it’s part and parcel of the territory." The actor's words reflect the harsh realities of the film industry, where the line between success and failure is often drawn by factors beyond an actor's control. Yet, the responsibility often falls on the star to shoulder the blame, particularly when a movie fails to attract audiences.
In a world where the topic of paid promotions and paid reviews has become a heated debate, Salman Khan was asked about his stance on the issue. The actor was firm in his response, clarifying, “I don’t think my name would ever appear on that list, neither in paying nor taking. And I think, anyone who has money, should go watch my film." He added a touch of humor, encouraging journalists to lobby for extra pay from their bosses so they could watch not only his movie Sikandar, but also Jaat, starring Sunny Deol, and Mohanlal’s L2E. His remarks were a subtle jab at the way the industry operates, pointing out that paying for reviews and promotions isn't part of his way of doing business.
However, Salman also acknowledged a harsh truth about the nature of film success. He emphasized that films, no matter how much money or promotion goes into them, cannot succeed without offering something substantial to the audience. "If you make horrible films, they won’t work, including my own," he said, acknowledging that even the most established stars are not immune to the challenges of making a successful movie. Ultimately, he pointed out, it is the responsibility of the actor to bring the audience into theaters. As he put it, "It is the star's responsibility to bring the audience to the theater because he is the one who is shown on the screen. Hence, the blame is on the actor."
The actor's candidness and honesty provided a rare insight into the often-glamorous, yet challenging, world of Bollywood. It is clear from his words that Salman Khan understands the delicate balance between artistic integrity and the realities of commercial success. He concluded by acknowledging the importance of audience trust and their decision to spend their hard-earned money on a film. For him, the onus remains on the filmmakers and actors to create films that are worthy of that trust.
As the debate surrounding paid reviews and promotions continues to swirl in the industry, Salman Khan’s remarks serve as a reminder that, in the end, the audience’s verdict is what truly matters.