Actor Salman Khan recently opened up about a difficult period in his career when he felt mocked and written off by sections of the press, despite delivering several successful films. Speaking during the Weekend Ka Vaar segment of Bigg Boss 20, Salman recalled how this phase of negative publicity made him hesitant to accept the TV game show Dus Ka Dum, which eventually became a turning point in reconnecting with his audience.
While many fans associate Salman’s career resurgence with his 2009 film Wanted, it was actually Dus Ka Dum that first helped bridge the gap between the actor and the general public. The show, which marked Salman’s debut on television, gave viewers a glimpse of his real personality, one that stood in contrast to the troubled image often portrayed by the media at the time.
Salman Opens Up About Media Criticism
During the Bigg Boss episode, Salman advised contestants Qazi Touqeer, Mahhi Vij, and others not to let negativity affect them, drawing from his own experiences. He recalled that even after delivering hits like Maine Pyar Kiya, Karan Arjun, and Tere Naam, he continued to face harsh criticism from certain media outlets that focused on his personal controversies and legal troubles rather than his work. He admitted that while he was open to doing Dus Ka Dum when it was offered to him, he was unsure whether it was the right time to take on a television project given the circumstances.
Father Salim Khan’s Advice Made the Difference
Salman revealed that amid his uncertainty, he turned to his father, veteran writer Salim Khan, for guidance. According to Salman, his father asked him whether he trusted his own personality, mindset, and upbringing. When Salman responded that he did believe in the values he was raised with, Salim Khan encouraged him to go ahead with the show and simply be himself on screen. Salman said this advice gave him the confidence to take up Dus Ka Dum, through which audiences finally got to see his true personality beyond the media narrative.
Reflecting on this experience, Salman encouraged the current Bigg Boss contestants to give their best performances without being discouraged by criticism, drawing a parallel between his own journey and the challenges faced by participants on the show today.
Source: Dna
