Snippets

His misadventure got him enlisted in the black books of many. And several contemplated on the grave arrears his career graph would ensue in owing to the alleged issue of drunken driving. He was no longer the “thunder” lad. We wondered if the Khan would further survive the Hollywood flick titled 'Marigold.'. Talks had it that it would either be Shah Rukh Khan or Akshaye Khanna who would bag this piece of 'gold.' But God decided to be kind and so did filmmaker Willard Caroll, who insists that there's no one who can match the charm Salman possesses. And Sallubhai remains to be a part of this International film.

Salman's family, friends and fans are finally breathing easy. The actor has been granted bail by Judge P V Bavkar today, after a strict warning not to contact witnesses in the case. Although those close to Salman believe that the worst of times are over, there is a nagging thought that sets one thinking about Salman's future career graph. Although actors like Sunjay Dutt and Fardeen Khan have been able to put their skirmishes with the law behind them and take their careers forward, one wonders whether Salman will be able to do the same. After a harrowing period in jail, it will certainly be tough for the actor to swing into action on the sets immediately. Are his producers willing to wait for him?

We spoke to well-known trade analyst, Komal Nahata, about Salman's current position in the industry. Although he has only three to four films on hand right now -- 'Dil Chura Ke Chal Diye' and 'Tere Naam' being two, as well as the Hollywood project 'Marigold', would the accident case affect Salman's star status in the industry? Komal says, “There must be roughly around Rs 35-40 crore riding on Salman Khan right now. He's doing two or three films at the moment. But I don't think this incident will affect his career prospects in any way. See, in the film industry, it is the current box-office standing of the star that matters. The question is only whether the actor will be able to pull in crowds at theatres, and I believe Salman can still do this.”

What about the film 'Marigold' which is to be made by a Hollywood company? The film, a musical romantic comedy to be directed by Willard Carrol, had been announced with much fanfare and is budgeted at under $10 million. It is expected to star an as yet uncast US actress and will be shot in both Hindi and English. Considering that attitudes abroad are quite different, would Salman's involvement in the accident case result in his being dropped from the project? “Actually, I don't know about 'Marigold'. Whatever has happened so far is merely on paper, and they've only held press conferences and such. The film hasn't gone on the floors as yet, and I am skeptical about when it will begin. So it doesn't matter right now.”

His Indian producers may have stuck by him so far, but the corporate world hasn't been so kind to Salman. In fact, Thums Up has already switched loyalties to Akshay Kumar, to ensure that the incident doesn't affect the product's standing in the market. Although Coca Cola India itself has refused to state why it has opted for Akshay Kumar, a spokesperson for the company merely stated, “Our contract with Salman expires in two months,” and there was apparently no intention of renewing the said contract. Will Salman be able to endorse products again? “The ad world functions in a totally different way as compared to the film industry,” Komal reveals, “I am not familiar with their machinations, so I won't be able to comment on why. Thums Up may have opted for Akshay Kumar, but we'll just have to just wait and watch how they will react.”

The actor is out on bail, but could there be another arrest in the near future post the Court verdict (assuming it, God forbid, didn't go in his favour). Would that put a spoke in the wheel for producers again? “No, I don't think so,” says Komal. “The legal process is already underway, but I don't see Salman being arrested again in the near future.”

We're sure everyone has their fingers crossed on that one. Especially Salman's producers! As for where his stock is going, time will tell.

While granting bail for a security deposit of Rs 20,000 Judge P V Bavkar warned the actor not to contact any witnesses.

The actor was also told to submit his passport with the police. He has to give a valid reason in case he needs to go abroad.

Salman has been charged with culpable homicide and other offences under IPC, Motor Vehicles Act and Prohibition Act. He is accused of running over a group of people outside a bakery in Bandra in Mumbai, in which one person died. These are punishable, with jail terms ranging from one year to ten years.

The judge upheld the contention of the prosecution that this case fell within the scope and ambit of section 304 part 2 IPC, punishable up to 10 years in jail and a fine or both. Prosecutor R V Kini, opposing Salman's bail, argued that the film star had the knowledge, envisaged under section 304 IPC, that his alleged act of driving under the influence of alcohol may cause bodily harm or fatal injuries to pedestrians. He said that police bodyguard, accompanying the actor, had warned him on the ill-fated day not to drive the vehicle speedily but the actor did not heed to his advice, resulting in the mishap. The prosecutor further argued that Salman Khan had run away after the accident and surrendered before police many hours later.

Although his residence is very close to the Bandra police station, he chose not to come before police soon after the mishap.

He submitted that if Salman was released on bail, he may tamper with evidence because the injured persons were still in hospital although they were out of danger.

The prosecutor also said that the charge sheet had not yet been filed and until it was done, the actor should not be released on bail. Before rejecting the bail, the judge perused the case papers and went through the investigation reports.

Salman's brother actor Arbaaz Khan, his sister and other family members were also present in the court.

MUMBAI: A local court on Monday rejected the bail plea of film actor Salman Khan and remanded him to judicial custody till October 21 for his involvement in the September 28 in a hit-and-run case.

The bail was rejected by magistrate S Y Shisode who observed that investigations were still in progress for which Salman's presence was required. Salman had allegedly rammed a vehicle into a bakery at suburban Bandra area on September 28, killing one person and injuring four others.

The magistrate observed that the charge sheet has not been filed and the investigations are still in progress. Salman has been charged under section 304 IPC, an offence that can be exclusively tried by a sessions court. Hence this court had no jurisdiction to grant bail, the magistrate said while rejecting the bail petition. "Jurisdiction to grant bail has to be on the basis of a well-settled principle in regard to the circumstances of the case", the magistrate said.

"This is not a fit case to grant bail in view of the allegations of the police that Salman was driving the car and was under the influence of liquor at the time of mishap", he observed. This is the second time that the actor's bail had been rejected. The actor had applied a fresh for bail today after the local court had turned down his bail plea on October 10 and had remanded him to police custody till October 14.

Salman, who sported a stubble, appeared visibly depressed today. Public prosecutor M R Raut said interrogation of Salman had concluded and therefore police custody of the actor was not required. He said the court could use its discretionary powers to grant him bail if necessary. The police was not opposing his bail and if set free Salman may be asked to make an appearance at the police station regularly, Raut contended. Outside the court, Salman's lawyer Abad Ponda said that he would move the session court today for Salman's bail.

MUMBAI: Actor Salman Khan, who was arrested on Monday for involvement in a hit and run case, has been remanded to police custody till October 10 by the Metropolitan Magistrate, who refused to grant him bail.

Salman's lawyer Zamir Khan urged the court for the bail but the metropolitan magistrate S Y Shisode said he will consider the bail on October 10.

Police wanted to apply section 304 of IPC, for culpable homicide not amounting to murder, a non-bailable offence, against Salman.

The court will decide whether this section is applicable on Salman on October 10 after hearing both the sides.

Salman had allegedly rammed his vehicle into a bakery on Sept 28 in suburban Bandra, killing one person and injuring four others. Earlier on Monday, he surrendered before Bandra police which immediately arrested him.

Salman surrendered before the police at Bandra on Monday afternoon after the government informed the Mumbai High Court that he will be booked under section 304.

Earlier, stating that he was “not satisfied'' with the police department's handling of Saturday's accident case involving the actor, Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal announced that he had instructed joint commissioner of police (law and order) Ahmed Javed to probe the issue.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the manner in which investigations were conducted, the Bombay High Court on Saturday had directed the police to submit the case papers on Monday and ordered the actor to remain present on that day.

The directions were issued by justices A P Shah and Ranjana Desai on a public interest litigation seeking review of provisions of Motor Vehicles Act with regard to payment of compensation to victims, the sentence to criminal offenders and adoption of reformatory methods to prevent such unfortunate happenings.

The judges expressed anguish over the plight of victims and directed public prosecutor Jyoti Pawar to lend her assistance on the point of application of law in this case. She has been asked to find out whether Salman had been appropriately charged in this case.

MUMBAI: The case against film actor Salman Khan took a new turn on Monday with the prosecution telling Bombay High Court that the charge of culpable homicide not amounting to murder would be filed against him in connection with the incident in which his car allegedly ran over a person killing him on September 28.

The arrest of the actor appeared imminent in view of the statement made by Advocate General Goolam Vahanvati the court that section 304 IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) would be applied in this case. The maximum punishment under this is 10-years rigorous imprisonment, a fine or both.

The court adjourned the hearing till next month to decide applicability of the law in this case.

The court also ordered Khan to pay interim compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the person killed.

Justice Ajit Shah and Justice Ranjana Desai also ordered the actor to pay Rs three lakh to the seriously injured and Rs 1.5 lakh to the persons who sustained simple injury in the accident.

Salman had allegedly rammed his vehicle into a bakery at suburban Bandra on September 28 killing one person and injuring four others.

The high court direction was given on a public interest litigation urging for compensation to victims.

SALMAN KHAN's MEETING WITH THE HOLLYWOOD DUO - Mid-Day: August 22, 2002

Salman Khan with Willard Carroll and Tom Wilhite of Hyperion Pictures. While We wait for Salman Khan at The Regent, Bandra, we hear he’s working out in his gym at home and later we’re told that he’s been delayed by the police, who are asking him some questions.
An hour after he’s scheduled to arrive, Khan walks into the lobby looking entirely unperturbed by his apparent meeting with the cops. In fact, the actor looks all dressed up for a night out on town in a shimmery shirt, worn with black pants and boots.
In the elevator, on the way to his meeting with the folks from Hyperion — the American studio that’s signed him up for their next film — he’s singing bits and pieces of an unfamiliar song. Then he raises two fingers, says, “Dhishoom, hands up,” to one of his many bodyguards, and laughs.
In a suite on the 15th floor, Tom Wilhite, president of Hyperion Pictures, and his associate Willard Carroll discuss their Hollywood-Bollywood venture. Carroll is the writer and director of the film that’s titled Marigold. Also the director of Playing by Heart (a Hollywood film starring Sean Connery, Gillian Anderson, Angelina Jolie and Dennis Quaid), Carroll is more interesting for his bizarre collection of The Wizard of Oz memorabilia.
Carroll appears to be this project’s main man. He is the one who fell in love with India and, on a visit a year-and-a-half ago, “discovered Hindi cinema”. “I saw Chori Chori Chupke Chupke,” he can hardly pronounce it, “in Chennai, and since then I’ve watched a hundred Hindi film DVDs.”

His (Carroll's) viewing list includes Dil Chahta Hai, Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham and Andaaz Apna Apna, which he calls India’s answer to Dumb and Dumber. “I’ve spent a lot of time wondering what this cross-cultural movie will be like,” says Carroll about Marigold and it’s clear he has it all worked out in his head.
Carroll is convinced Khan is the best man for the project because “there’s something about him that would appeal to audiences in America” and adds, “I knew I could write dialogue for him.” Does Sallu feel the same way? “Yesterday I was asked, ‘Your films haven’t done well here, is that why you are doing a Hollywood film?’ The truth is that this is my kind of film,” says Khan, “My only concern was whether I would be able to deliver my dialogues in English.”

Marigold will be shot in English and Hindi; requisite song sequences et al, with music by Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy and lyrics by Javed Akhtar. The English version will have a few Hindi dialogues, while the Hindi cut will have “hardly anything in English.” The cast of the film is almost entirely Indian, with just two roles for American actors. “There’s an American actress,” says Carroll, who refuses to add who the lady is. “She’s twenty-something and will be a name in the US but maybe not here,” is all he divulges.
The Hyperion duo is determined to make “a commercial American movie and not a niche film” and Wilhite believes that Marigold will be “interesting in the US as a cross-cultural film, carried by its concept, not its cast.”

The two also intend to make a cross-cultural soap opera and an animated film, but at present both projects are in the nascent stage. Meanwhile, Khan is unsure of the reception he’ll get in the US, and his response to questions on whether other Hollywood projects will follow is nothing short of pragmatic, “I would not want to play a character, a taxi driver in a film. If I make it big, let’s see….”

SALMAN KHAN & MAHIMA TOGEHTER ? - planetbollywood: August 21, 2002

Salman Khan will never bow down to the authorities who claim he is down and out. The actor has a great deal of big picks coming up which should expand his role as a reputed actor in the industry, even after his recent duds at the box office.
He has currently been signed to play the main lead in Sethu for which Mahima Chaudhary is rumoured to play his female lead. While there has been no confirmation, and rumours that the female lead in the original Tamil version is to sign opposite him, chances are high it will be Mahima in the role.

SALMAN KHAN WANTS TO USE GUNS! - radiosargam: August 20, 2002

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has been holding long talks with his police in Mumbai recently.

The actors wants the cops to issue him a new fire arms license after he allegedly received recent threats from the underworld.

Salman previously held a license but it was taken away after his controversial involvement in a poaching case.

The police are currently looking into his request and should make a decision on the matter within a week.

SALMAN IN HOLLYWOOD! - et-online: August 17, 2002

Salman Khan will star in Marigold, a musical romantic comedy written and to be directed early next year by US filmmaker Willard Carroll, the Variety reported Friday. The picture, budgeted at under $10 million, will see Khan co-star opposite an as-yet-uncast US actress. Dubbed as a Bollywood-Hollywood collaboration, the project will be shot in both English and Hindi. Filming will take place in Mumbai, Goa and Rajasthan.
Marigold, which is being touted as the first Hindi film made by a US director, is the story of a demanding B-movie actress stranded in India when her latest fly-by-night film is suddenly cancelled. Penniless and unable to return home, the desperate actress accepts a role in a gaudy Bollywood production even though she is a terrible dancer. Khan will play her dance instructor Prem.
“The movie-within-a-movie format enables us to do the Bollywood sequences for real and at full strength while still preserving the narrative structure of a mainstream Hollywood entertainment,” Carroll said. “In the past, US productions shooting in India have used the country as an exotic backdrop and a source of inexpensive manpower,” said Sidharth Jain, VP of producer Hyperion Pictures India. “This project is different. It’s a true co-production; Indians working side by side with Americans. It will be a seamless mixture of what each industry does best.”

SHILPA - SALMAN ! - CelebnCeleb: August 05, 2002

Shilpa Shetty is thrilled that Cinevista, which has to its credit several top-notch TV serials like Gul Gulshan Gulfaam and Nur Jehan, in their second production after Yeh Mohabbat Hai, has teamed her opposite Salman Khan. The film to be launched soon, will be directed by Puneet Issar who is making his debut as a director on the big screen with this film. The film according to Shilpa would be a romantic thriller. It will be Shilpa's second film with Salman Khan the first one being Dil Churake Dekho / Dil Chrura Ke Chal Diye, which is being directed by Ahathian who had directed Hum Tumhare Hai Sanam. Puneet is all set to direct yet another film starring Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty as she has also paired-up with him in Govardhan Thanwani's next film after Tumko Naa Bhool Payenge.

THOUSANDS TURN OUT FOR SALMAN ! - Kuwaitnews: Aug 01, 2002

Well known Indian film star Salman Khan drew unprecedented crowds with Kuwaitis and expatriates turning out in thousands as he declared, open a new 3-storey gold and diamond jewelry showroom of Chemmanur Fashion Jewelers in Kuwait on Thursday evening. Click here for more details.

DIL CHURA KE CHAL DIYE - N/A: Aug 01, 2002

Karishma International’s Dil Chura Ke Chal Diye was shot between July 13 to 16 in Hyderabad. Director K S Adhiyaman picturised a song on Salman Khan and Shilpa Shetty, under the supervision of choreographer Ganesh Acharya. Based on a story by K S Adhiyaman himself, film has dialogue by Rumi Jaffrey, cinematography by W B Rao, action by Mahendra Verma, art by R Varman, choreography by Raju Sunderam, sound by Ijaz Ahmed, editing by D N Naik, lyrics by Salim Bijnori and Jalees Sherwani and music by Daboo Malik and Sajid-Wajid.

SALMAN & ARBAAZ TOGETHER AGAIN ! - indiafm: July 30, 2002

The Khan brothers, Salman and Arbaaz, have been teamed once again. The brothers have so far acted in their home-productions, PYAAR KIYA TO DARNA KYA and HELLO BROTHER, besides appearing together for a music video of Sohail Khan's launch pad MAINE DIL TUJHKO DIYA. This year, Arbaaz had also acted in TUMKO NA BHOOL PAAYENGE, starring Salman in the lead. The brothers have now been signed by Cinevista for their new film, SANGHAAR - THE DESTROYER, which will be directed by actor Puneet Issar.

Co-starring Shilpa Shetty, Amrish Puri, Anupam Kher and Ashutosh Rana, the film will go on the floors in December this year and according to Puneet, will be completed within 4-5 months of its launch. Music director Anu Malik has already started work on the songs. However, Puneet denies that the film will tackle the Indo-Pak issue. "This is an entirely different project," he clarifies.

ENDORSE MDTD! - IndiaFM & Radiosargam: July 16, 2002

Sohail Khan's debut film as an actor, MAINE DIL TUJHKO DIYA, is scheduled for release in August and the entire Khan clan is going all out to ensure that the film is well received by the audiences. The latest is, Sohail's elder brothers, Salman and Arbaaz, have participated in the picturization of a special song of the film, which will be telecast on television channels exclusively.
The song depicts important glimpses of this love story, while Salman and Arbaaz act as narrators, conveying the sequence of events in the film turn by turn. Bhai ho to aise! Click Here to view the promo

ALL PRAISES FOR EVERGREEN HERO! - Filmfare Online: July 09, 2002

The hunk will soon set the screen sizzling in his next release titled 'Yeh Hai Jalwa,' in which he woos Ameesha Patel. But his recent stint with the evergreen hero Dev Anand, has left him mesmerized. Apparently, the energy that Devsaab possesses is much more than an 18-year olds, and the enthusiasm with which he works seems ceaseless. Sallubhai's really impressed with this exuberant yesteryear hero who survives better than many others even to this day (Touchwood!). As we informed you earlier, the Khan is doing a special appearance for Dev Anand's next production venture titled 'Love At Times Square' where he'll shake a leg to the title song rendered by the chubby Adnan Sami. And the Khan can't help but say "Hats Off!' to young spirited director-producer-actor!

EXCERPT FROM SALAAM BOLLYWOOD! - Screen : July 05, 2002

Compared to the stars of the seventies who were entrenched in old patterns, the eighties batch is disciplined and committed. The danger re-emerged in the nineties. Determined about redefining rules, they were unwilling to play the image game. A classic example is Salman Khan. After Sooraj Barjatya’s Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Rakesh Roshan’s Karan Arjun, Salman should have been a hot proposition. Instead, everyone connected with the film benefited, except Salman. While Madhuri Dixit bagged all the awards and appeared on the covers of the film glossies, Salman went unnoticed. Only because Salman was not accessible to the media. After Amitabh Bachchan, he is the only actor to say ‘‘no" to the press and to stick to his word. He believes that an actor should be judged by his work. Unlike his contemporaries, who’ve made a joke of their now-on, now-off stand on the press, Salman has consistently refused to give interviews, his standard line being, ‘Leave me alone. I have nothing to say.’
To give him credit, he has not exuded contradictory signals. Unlike many who deny interviews, but make sure to circulate their pictures through photographers, Salman never sneaked in backdoor stories, never sent feelers even when his career hit a low. There are many instances when he has been denied justice. He has never been nominated for awards, never won them. Whenever a film flopped (Chand Ka Tukda, Veergati), he has been blamed. Whenever a film clicked (Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun), he went unsung. Whenever he did films with two hero roles (Saajan, Andaz Apna Apna, Karan Arjun), the other hero walked away with the praise. Whenever his relationships broke off (with Shaheen, Sangeeta and Somy), the women got the sympathy. On the other hand, instances when Salman Khan has been accused of being unjust are just as many. Directors said he was irreverent and co-stars complained he was high-handed. Journalists said he was violent and uncharitable. He denied some of these accusations and admitted to a few mistakes. ‘If they can attack me in print, I’m at liberty to behave as I wish on my home ground.’ In a surprise gesture Salman, after months of silence, lowered his defenses to give an exclusive interview to my magazine. It was Salman’s frankest interview to date. I had gone to meet him with a lot of apprehension, escorted even by a bodyguard (my photographer). But he won me over with charm and honesty.
Around 40 people are always present for lunch and this excludes half-a-dozen servants and the watchman of the building. Friends and friends-of-friends drop by in the afternoon and stay for hours, play Scrabble or just watch a film. We conducted the interview in the balcony at the far end of the living-room. It took longer than expected because Salman, I discovered is a brilliant raconteur and an excellent mimic. He had me in splits and days after our encounter, I continued to think of Salman fondly.

AT BOLLYWOOD AWARDS! - EBolly : July 01, 2002

Salman Khan wins the Best Sensational (Male) award for Chori Chori Chupke Chupke at the Zee Gold Bollywood Awards held in New York at the Nassau Coliseum on June 29, 2002. Other Winners!

FANTASTIC! - Screen : June 28, 2002

That day and for the next three days I saw Salman Khan dancing like a man possessed by some raw and rare passion. He was dancing for Dev Anand’s Love At Times Square, making a special appearance for Dev’s film, his gift from his generation to the legend whose passion to entertain has been mesmerizing five generations of grateful people (Agar Dev Sahab nahi hote to kya hota?), a seventy-year-old junior artiste asks. Salman was dancing with a crowd of young dancers from all over the world, dancing to the tunes and a song sung by Adnan Sami who also said he composed and sang for Dev’s film only for love, “only for the love of the unbelievable Dev Sahab”. Salman found time off to make the dance number one of the best dance numbers of his career and he made sure to see that choreographer Ganesh Acharya made no mistake to make his dream come true for Dev and for himself.
In between shots when he took off his shirt and showed off his muscles which could make Lennox Lewis, the new World Boxing Champion who knocked out Mike Tyson look at him in sheer shock, I asked Salman how it felt working with a legend like Dev and he just shouted in delight “fantastic, fantastic, fantastic. From where does Dev Sahab get so much energy? Will we have the same kind of energy when we reach his age? Will we even manage to reach his age? Fantastic, that’s all I can say”. I then asked Salman if he ever felt he would work with Dev Sahab and he for reasons best known to himself said, “of course, I knew it, I knew it”.
Dev had heard and read all kinds of wild stories about Salman in all the glossies but the Salman he came across during the days he shot with him was someone he couldn’t just believe. He seemed absolutely thrilled working with Salman, whom he kept calling “my pet, one of the best of the young actors we have. I hope to now work on a script revolving round Salman soon. I think he can do a fantastic job given a good script.” For days after the shooting Dev kept talking about Salman which was talk which was so different from all the wild talk about Salman.

AT BOLLYWOOD AWARDS! - EBolly : June 24, 2002

Salman Khan, voted by ‘People’ magazine, as ‘One of the Best Looking Men in the World’, will be performing in New York after a long time at the ‘Bollywood Awards’ to be held at the Nassau Coliseum there this week on June 29, 2002. Salman, who will be performing some songs, is expected to do a dare-devil stunt to mark his entry (beating Akshay Kumar to his game, eh!!?). And with his new bald look and newly acquired extra muscles which have added to his super physique, his fans can surely look forward to a lot of excitement (shirt-stripping or no shirt-stripping).

ON HIS BALD NEW LOOK! - TataNova : June, 2002

I went bald, because it was required for one of my films
"Why is there such a curiosity about me going bald? I mean, isn't the reason so obvious considering the heat and humidity here.
Jokes apart, there has been a lot of speculation on why I went bald, especially in the media. Some say, my hair is thinning and I shaved my head bald in the hope that I would get a thicker crop of hair back. Come on, there are other methods to get back your hair, if there is one that is!
I went bald, because it was required for one of my films. The character I play is bald for a part of the movie. However, I am glad I did it. I have never enjoyed summer the way I have this year. I didn't know being bald made the summers easier to bear.
I am considering going bald every summer now. It also makes for a cool style statement. However, my producers would have to approve. Right now, most of them are pretty upset with me."

Salman - Ash Project - indiafm: June 21, 2002

Those who thought that Atul Agnihotri's directorial debut, DIL NE JISE APNA KAHA, had been shelved thanks to the Salman Khan – Aishwarya Rai affair going kaput, are completely off beam. The film is definitely on, Atul tells me. “They're professionals. Ash is definitely doing my film,” he confirms.

Only, there have been a few changes…

One, the project is no longer a two-hero fare. It may be recalled that Atul was toying with the idea of casting Sohail Khan as the second hero. “But I've changed the script and it's now a solo-hero film,” he states. So, the story will no longer be that of two officers falling in love with the same woman" (PEARL HARBOR).

Two, Universal Music has stepped in the project. “The film will be presented by Universal, while G.S. Entertainment (Sohail Khan and Bunty Walia's production outfit) will be the executive producers,” he adds.

In the meanwhile, Atul has already recorded two songs for the film (A.R. Rahman) and will roll once Salman's hair grows to the normal size.

Subhash Ghai's Multi Starrer - indiafm: June 13, 2002

Post-YAADEIN, Subhash Ghai had been planning multiple projects. Besides financing films (BADHAAI HO BADHAAI) and starting new projects (David Dhawan, Abbas-Mustan, Madhur Bhandarkar), Ghai has also been working round-the-clock on his film, which is all set to roll on October 24 this year. “I've okayed two scripts as of now,” the Showman tells me, continuing in the same breath, “But will choose one eventually.”

Prod him about the star cast of his new film and Ghai laughs, “Don't get impatient. All I can say is that it will be a big film. A very big film… A multi-starrer definitely.” Although Ghai didn't reveal this to me, a source tells me that the project will star one of the Khans in the lead. Stay tuned!

ANIL,SANJU,SALMAN TEAMED - Indiafm: June 11, 2002

While on Satish Kaushik, the director has been signed by Boney Kapoor to direct his next venture, which will be a remake of the Tamil film. The film will star Anil Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt and Salman Khan in the lead. Remember, you read this news on IndiaFM first!

Salman -Sush: Inseparable pals- filmfare Online : June 08, 2002

Rumors are a buzz with the Salman Khan-Sushmita Sen liaison. How the two have become inseparable pals. And how there is something more to their good friendship. We all know how Sush could not even stand him while shooting for Biwi No.1. But during the Thums Up ad for which they were air dashed to virgin beaches of Bangkok, Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen felt they had a lot of things in common. Salman even made a point to attend Sush's birthday bash last year. Looks like the "world" is not enough for him, he now wants to take on the "universe" too!

SANJAY KAPOOR ANGRY WITH SALMAN! - Sargam FM : June 08, 2002

The actor isn't happy Salman Khan replaced him! Sanjay Kapoor has hoping that his role in Koi Mere Dil Se Pooche would open new doors and help resurrect his career. However after the film flopped at the box office, things didn't exactly go to plan for the budding actor and people weren't knocking on his door as often as he originally predicted. To make matters worse, Sanjay Kapoor has also been losing his current crop of films. He was originally supposed to star in the hard-hitting movie SETHU, but was later replaced by Salman Khan (it's the film where Salman had to shave his head). It's hardly surprising that the change in cast has upset Sanjay, who thinks that he was much more suited to the role than Salman Khan.

Salman to Act in Movie with Shirt On - Mid-day : May 20, 2002

In a bombshell announcement that is sure to shock the Bollywood industry and bring untold pleasure to millions of sensible movie-watchers, Salman Khan disclosed that he has signed a movie with Vashu Bhagnani wherein he says he 'will not take off his shirt, even for a minute'. In a crowded press conference held at the famous Oberoi Hotel on Marine Drive, Bhagnani said, "It is a different kind of a movie we are making. Humko Tumse Pyaar Hai is a sentimental drama that is sure to generate floods of tears. Salman plays a different kind of a role. We really wanted him to shoot a song in Swiss Alps in a dream sequence with Aishwarya Rai (in a flimsy Chiffon saree) where he only wears shorts but Salman was adamant that he will act fully clothed in the entire movie. I admire his principled stand and we signed him on."

KAUSHIK TO DIRECT SALMAN! - Mid-day : May 19, 2002

Ace funster-cum-director Satish Kaushik currently making waves for his Badhaai Ho Badhaai is finalizing Salman Khan for the Hindi remake of the hit Tamil movie Sethu. "It is the story of an anti-social element falling in love. While I am excited about the script, Salman is also equally charged about his role for which he had to go bald to sport the menacing look. We are planning to start shooting next month," disclosed Kaushik who is keen on casting a newcomer as the heroine.

Salman V/S Sohail -Indiafm: May 14, 2002

Salman Khan is going to clash with younger brother Sohail Khan on July 5. No, the issue's not personal, but professional. Salman's YEH HAI JALWA and Sohail's debut film as an actor, MAINE DIL TUJHKO DIYA, are scheduled to release on July 5. As of now, the producers of both the films are firm on the date, but after reading this item one of them might prepone/postpone their release. Or, for all you know, overprotective that he is, Salman may insist on postponing his film by one week, so that Sohail's film can enjoy an open week. Let's wait!

Salman & Ash...No Reason to Work With Each other -Screen May 14, 2002

Debutant director Rohan Sippy who had zeroed in on Salman Khan to do a special appearance in his forthcoming Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai starrer Kuch Na Kaho will now have to look out for another star because Salman Khan has opted out of it. It were his personal problems with Aishwarya Rai that compelled the Khan not to do the small appearance in the film. The Sippys then approached Arjun Rampal but Arjun turned down the offer since he is busy with shows. With practically all the heroes busy, Kuch Na Kaho will now have to wait for another four months till they get another hero to shoot that particular scene. Meanwhile for an irritated Rohan, Kuch Na Kaho…might just be asking for too much!

HIS LEADING LADIES! - msn.com : May 07, 2002

Salman Khan, Amisha Patel and Karisma Kapoor were huddled together for over an hour at a recent function. Salman Khan and Amisha Patel, the Yeh Hai Jalwa jodi, danced to the tunes of the film at a function organized by the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association in Mumbai recently. Salman, who has gone bald for a forthcoming film, lovingly ran his fingers on his pate, a new style statement he was trying to stress on!
Salman was wearing blue shirt and tie, complete with a black suit. Amisha in a purple top, black trousers and black short jacket, had a red scarf tied on her head. When they danced to Oh jaane jigar, Amisha was sporting goggles. Mid-way through another song, Choodi Khankayire (from the same film), Salman borrowed her goggles. When Salman took off his coat, there were many in the crowd who anticipated him to go shirtless as well, a style statement, close to the actor's heart.
But an interesting observation we made was backstage. As we were waiting to talk to Karisma Kapoor, who had also performed at the function, we saw Salman getting into the van. Apparently, his new co-star Amisha was also in Karisma's van. The trio was sitting huddled for nearly an hour. Wonder what they were exchanging notes on.

IMPPA SHOW! - Filmfare Online : May 07, 2002

Smita Thackrey (President IMPPA), organized a star-studded charity show for the benefit of the film industry's workers. Star turnout for the evening was 100%. Seen on the occasion were Bollywood biggies like Govinda, Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Karisma, Raveena, Diya Mirza, Aftab, etc., shaking their hips to hit old songs for the noble cause. Bharat Shah made a rare appearance. Unfortunately for many fans the show ended half way due to the time restraint. But by then the show was already declared a hit.

SALMAN KHAN: ANYTHING FOR A NOBLE CAUSE - Filmfare Online : May 07, 2002

There's more to Salman than his 'brutish' image. Not many know that Salman tops the celebrity list when it comes to doing charity. He prefers to wrap the whole affair in a hush hush manner. He was recently spotted in a city's restaurant spending time with underprivileged children. He even performed an impromptu dance number to entertain the children. At least now people should appreciate the golden heart beneath that bratty starry exterior

SALMAN KHAN CONCERT STOPPED ABRUPTLY! - Radiosargam: May 06, 2002

Some of Bollywood’s biggest names turned out for the Ehsaas 2002 concert, which was organized by the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association.

However a series of blunders had a bad effect on the overall show, including a delayed start to the show and a premature ending.

Not only were the audience made to wait in their seats for nearly two hours for the show to start, but they were also in for an unpleasant surprise when the show was suddenly ended apparently due to licensing agreements which meant the event had to finish at a certain time.

The concert included appearances by Abhishek Bachchan, Juhi Chawla and Fardeen Khan - all of whom introduced performances.

Meanwhile, the actual performances on the night were courtesy of Salman Khan and Amisha Patel, Govinda and Raveena Tandon, Akshay Kumar and Riya Sen, Aftab Shivdasani and Amrita Arora, Jimmy Shergill and Sonali Kulkarni, Arshad Warsi and Kashmira Shah, Preeti Jhangiani, Karisma Kapoor, Diya Mirza, Isha Koppikar, Nakul Kapoor and Adnan Sami.

A POP STAR! -Indiafm: May 01, 2002

Dev Anand : Let me tell you that Salman is making an interesting guest appearance in the film. He plays an international pop star. An entire song will be picturised on him, which was rendered by Adnan Sami some time back. Apart from this, he will be seen in a few scenes as well. I plan to erect a special set at Love At Times Square to picturise the song. I am waiting for his hair to grow a bit, which should take a few weeks more, after which I have requested him to allot dates. In fact, the film starts and ends with Salman.

Salman's new movie "Sanghaar" - Mid-day: April 28, 2002

Breaking News! Baldy Salman Khan to star in a new film in which he is not going to be bald. What's more, it will be directed by actor Puneet Issar. It's great to hear about Salman Khan making some professional news. He has signed a film titled Sanghaar - Operation Clean Up. The film is in its initial stages, as confirmed by Sunil Mehta of Cinevista, the producer of the film. Cinevista has recently diversified into films, after making serials like Gul Gulshan Gulfam. The film is being directed by Puneet Isaar of Duryodhan fame and infamous for injuring Amitabh Bachchan during the filming of Coolie. Puneet Isaar, though a talented actor, never really got work after this debacle till Mahabharat. Maybe a directorial venture is what the actor needs. Sanghaar - Operation Clean Up is being produced by Cinevista Productions. This will be the second production for Cinevista, as earlier they had produced Yehi Hai Tammana, which was a debut film of Aakansha Malhotra, the daughter of Prem Kishen, who is also one of the partners in the production house.

'Love At Times Square'! - Filmfare Online : April 20, 2002

We aren't gonna 'beat' the drums about his romances out here, just let's get a little professional. Salman Khan has been roped in to doing Dev Anand's 'Love At Times Square'. But he doesn't play protagonist in this. We'll be seeing Sallu in a special appearance dancing to the tunes of Adnan Sami in the title song. Wondering how the deal happened? Well, it wasn't a commercial one… Salman signed on the bonds - the bonds of friendship - and then everything happened just like that - on terms of 'goodwill' that the actor shared with both, the veteran, Dev Anand and the singer, Adnan Sami. So there's gonna be a 'little package' of surprise in 'Love At Times Square' for all of us.

O BROTHER! - Filmfare Online : April 09, 2002

Salman is hilarious guys. At a recent award function, he appeared bald wearing earrings in both his ears. He was called on stage to give away the award for best actress, which went to Tabu (for 'Chandni Bar'). As Tabu was not present, Madhur Bhandarkar went to pick it up. Salman made a gesture at him and asked, “How close are you to Tabu that you have come to pick up the award?” The question from Salman, caught Madhur completely off-guard. Madhur for a second stood still not knowing what to do. He regained his composure and replied, “Well, err, I'm the director of the film.” Only to be told by Salman, “I'm her brother, so I will take the award on her behalf.”

THE BALD AND THE BEAUTIFUL! - Mid-day: April 09, 2002

Feroz Khan and Salman Khan test each other's bald heads at the third IIFA awards at Genting Highlands, Malaysia. Salman Khan went completely bald and competed with Feroz Khan for the same.

Some reactions from Mid-day readers

SALMAN KHAN REVEALS DRASTIC NEW LOOK!: Radiosargam: April 08 2002

The actor shows off his new bold look at the IIFA Awards!

Salman Khan & Bardot Bollywood superstar Salman Khan showed his brand new look at the recent IIFA Awards in Malaysia, where fans finally saw his much-talked-about bald head!

It seems the actor was convinced to shave off his hair completely for an exciting role in a forthcoming movie and viewers of the IIFA Awards were the first to peek at the final results.

Salman presented an award at the ceremony together with Australian girl group Bardot, who teased him about the hair cut by rubbing his head.

Video of the presentation.

Sporting Bald Look: Indiafm: April 02, 2002

Salman Khan is sporting a bald look these days. And there's a reason to it. No, it's not because he is losing hair or because he wants to beat the scorching heat. It's because of a role. Producers Nitin Manmohan and Sunil Manchanda have acquired the rights of the Tamil hit SETHU (starring Vikram and Abitha), which won the National Award for the best Regional Film, and Salman has been signed for the Hindi remake.
Reportedly, Salman is so enamored by his role that he has decided to have a different look, besides allotting bulk dates to the project, a close associate of Salman tells me. SETHU had set box-office trends and Salman is hoping the Hindi version would repeat history.

Thumps Up Add: Radiosargam: March 13, 2002

Salman Khan is now shooting for a new thumps up add. It will be shortly on air.

At Sansui Awards!:India times: February 25, 2002

Salman Khan performing at Sansui Awards

Salman Khan performs during the Sansui Movie Awards 2002, held in Mumbai on Saturday, February 23, 2002.

To Be Or Not To Be, That is The Question ? radiosargam: February 19. 2002

After STYLE, N. Chandra is back in the running, with fresh projects being planned with the director. Ripples, the makers of YEH TERAA GHAR YEH MERAA GHAR, have signed Chandra for their next venture, which will star Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai in lead roles.

Chandra sounded more than excited when we called to verify the news. “The film, to be made on a grand scale, will be a remake of a South hit. As far as the casting is concerned, we are in the process of finalizing the names. The producers are negotiating with several artistes and there could be a possibility that they've signed the names in question, although I'm unaware of it,” he divulges. Chandra also adds that they are contemplating making a few changes in the script, keeping the universal appeal in mind.

While on Chandra, we were the first to inform you that he was planning to incorporate a song in STYLE, which was to be included in the prints from the Valentine's Day. But he seems to have aborted the plans. “According to my distributors, it's late in the day to add the song as the film has already completed seven weeks. It wouldn't help much, they felt, so I decided to drop the idea,” he asserts.

TURNS THE TABLE ON! - filmfare Online: February 18, 2002

Salman for once played the media game well. After beating around the bush for a long time, he finally decided to break his ‘maun’ (silence). He came out with a masterstroke, striking the right chord with his interview in Bombay Times. He openly admitted to all his flaws and immediately turned the sympathy wave towards himself. Guess what? The table has turned in his favor. The gamble paid off, and there is a sudden shift of opinion; the brat has become the Mr. Nice. Media’s favorite whipping boy has just turned into the shinning prince!

SALMAN TALKS ABOUT RELATIONSHIP WITH AISHWARYA! radiosargam: February 14. 2002

Salman Khan has sensationally opened up about his relationship with popular actress Aishwarya Rai for the very first time.

In a recent interview, he confesses that his relationship with Aishwarya has hit the worst period it has ever encountered but he hopes that things will work out soon. "If the relationship has to work out, it will. I believe in karma," he told Filmfare magazine.

It seems part of the problem is the fact that they hardly ever see each other at the moment. Describing the love of his life, he says "Aishwarya is a totally Hindustani girl and that's one of her best qualities".

It is a well known fact that Aishwarya's parents are currently against the relationship, but there is still hope for the love birds yet and we wish them the best of luck in getting their relationship back on track - after all, they make a great couple!

SALMAN SWEARS LIVE ON BBC! radiosargam: February 09. 2002

The popular Bollywood superstar Salman Khan gave an exclusive interview to BBC Asian Network's 'Filmi Duniya' show in the UK last night and showed his dedication to fans by answering questions from them live on air.

However he caught presenter Rajni Sharma unaware when he was asked about his relationship with the media and used a swear word in his answer!

Salman also nearly lost his temper when asked about his relationship with Aishwarya Rai, although luckily this time around he didn't swear and simply said that it was personal and not for the public to know.

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SALMAN,SHAH RUKHANS MADHURI ATTENT THE FUNCTION OF HTHS - indiafm: January 22, 2002
Producer K.C. Bokadia's association with T-Series began in the 1980s with PYAR JHUKTA NAHIN. The producer and the music company gave several hits thereafter, before they went separate ways. But they have joined hands once again for *HUM TUMHARE HAIN SANAM, which stars three sought-after names of Bollywood in principal roles. The three – Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit* – made a point to attend the get-together, held on Monday, January 21 at Hotel Holiday Inn, despite their busy schedules. Also present on the occasion were the two financiers of the project – Rashesh Shah (son of Bharat Shah) and T.P. Aggarwal (producer of BHARAT BHAGYA VIDHATA). In a concise speech, SRK said that he was glad that the film had shaped up well and that he was awaiting its release. Salman described his experience of working in the project as fruitful and added that he will always cherish the experience. But it was simpleton Bokadia's straight-from-the-heart speech that echoed throughout the evening. “My company, B.M.B., is going through tough times and I shall eternally be grateful to Salman, Shah Rukh and Madhuri for standing by me in this hour of crisis. Had it not been for them, I would have collapsed completely,” he said. This writer witnessed songs from the film and the impact was indeed mesmerising, with the title track, 'Gale Mein Lal Tie' and 'Taaron Ka Chamakta' being the pick of the lot. *HUM TUMHARE HAIN SANAM* has music by Nadeem-Shravan, Nikhil-Vinay, Daboo Malik, Bappi Lahiri, Bali Brahmbhatt and Sajid-Wajid. The film is slated for release in March. click for the pictures

Salman Khan: STAR SCREEN AWARDS 2002 - Screenidia: January 22, 2002
The highlights of the event was nevertheless Shammi Kapoor being felicitated with a Lifetime Achievement Award by Salman Khan. The unusual choice of Salman Khan came about because he's the favourite of Neila Devi, Shammi Kapoor's wife who finds a lot of similarities in him and the young Shammi Kapoor in terms of image, attitude and life. Salman clearly seemed overwhelmed at bestowing an award to a legend, and mumbled something to the effect that "it takes a big heart to quit when you are right at the top. And Shammiji is one of them."