Salman Khan, the Bollywood superstar, has a status in the industry that is practically unrivalled.
Many in the profession, as well as his millions of admirers, continue to idolise him, referring to him as ‘Salman Bhai’ as a token of respect. Salman, who made his Bollywood debut in 1988, has a wealth of expertise in the industry, which has allowed him to shape the careers of performers such as Katrina Kaif, Jacqueline Fernandez, and many more.
However, when we consider all of this, have you ever considered how he made his Bollywood debut?
Even if it’s hard to believe, Salman Khan, the son of actor, producer, and screenwriter Salim Khan, put in a lot of effort to make his debut in the profession.
Salman’s first break came in the form of a commercial for Campa Cola, which he appeared in before entering the film industry.
That’s correct. Salman appeared in front of the camera for the Campa Cola ad directed by Kailash Surendranath five years before making his Bollywood debut in Biwi Ho Toh Aisi, and the background behind him receiving the job is fascinating.
What will surprise you is that Salman didn’t even prepare for the audition and received it through the producer’s girlfriend, rather than the producer himself.
Salman was actually swimming at a club when he observed a very gorgeous female who he believed was worth impressing, and he ended up doing something rather insane as a result.
According to Koimoi, Salman related the storey when speaking on the Tara Sharma Show, “I was swimming one day at the Sea Rock Club and I saw this extremely gorgeous, young lady walking past in a red sari.” To impress her, I dove into the water and swam the entire length of the pool underwater. So she wasn’t there when I got out the other side.”
“The next day, I got a call from Far Productions asking if I wanted to make a commercial for a cold drink – it was Campa Cola at the time, and I was wondering, ‘How did this come about?'” I went there with my aunt to meet Kailash Surendranath.”
“My aunt and I went to meet Kailash. ‘All right, done,’ I said. ‘However, who provided you my phone number?’ ‘That girl you were attempting to impress is my girlfriend,’ he replied. She informed me that he is an excellent swimmer. We were meant to shoot it in the Maldives, and they specifically requested someone who could swim underwater. Only Jackie’s (Shroff) wife Ayesha and I were capable of doing those laps underwater. That was my first time in front of the camera.” Salman explained.
Wasn’t that the most Bhai thing you’ve ever seen?
Salman will now appear in Tiger 3, Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali, and Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2, as well as cameos in Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chaddha and Shah Rukh Khan’s Pathan.
