Salman Khan is afraid of losing his stardom

Salman Khan, in a recent media interaction, admitted that like everyone else, he is also afraid of losing stardom.

Salman Khan might be Dabangg in reel life but is he as dabanng in real life? In a recent media interaction, the Sultan star admitted that he is afraid of losing the stardom that he has worked on and achieved in his career of over 25 years.

But he also added that he believes that life is more than being a screen star and that thought keeps him in peace.

"Everyone is scared of losing stardom," Salman Khan told IANS, "I would be lying if I say no. It's not just the stardom... It's that love, it's that respect."

Elaborating on how stardom is fleeting, Salman added, "Suddenly, it all gets over... that is one quality you are working so hard for and suddenly something happens and you are not the liked person any more...that bothers everyone."

However, the Dabangg star feels that one should have the strength to face such an existential conundrum. He gave the example of his father, screenwriter Salim Khan (of the Salim-Javed duo) who had to experience losing stardom, twice.

Salman also used himself as an example. In fact, at one point through the early 2000s, his films were flopping and he did not command the stardom that his peers, Shah Rukh or Aamir did. It was only with 2007's Wanted  and 2010's Dabangg that his luck turned.

Pontificating on the larger picture, Khan added, "I think life is more just than being a hero and star in movies. I think it's a lot more than that."

Salman has been flying high in his career since his Dabangg days. Not to mention, his last film Bajrangi Bhaijan was a blockbuster that earned over Rs. 600 crore. That said, he has realised that he needs to put in more effort at this time.

"One has to work hard at this point of time only because all our seniors left at this time only," Salman said, "By this age, almost everyone left [the industry]. I saw a close-up of mine in one film, and I was like, 'What is this? When I am only not liking it how others are going to like it?'"

Speaking of working hard, Salman has put in a lot of effort to get his muscular look for Sultan. He added, "We have to put ourselves through pain and torture so that somebody appreciates it."

In the upcoming film, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, he is playing a Haryanvi wrestler, who falls from grace but eventually gets success in the world of mixed martial arts.

The film that also stars Anushka Sharma, Randeep Hooda and Amit Sadh is scheduled for release on July 6 this year.