Arbaaz Khan, a name synonymous with both Bollywood films and behind-the-scenes success, has seen a rich journey in the film industry. From acting to producing and directing, he has worn many hats over the years. In an insightful conversation, Arbaaz discusses his evolving career, his relationship with his wife Shura, and the ongoing security concerns surrounding his brother, superstar Salman Khan.
Choosing Production Over Acting: Arbaaz’s Pragmatic Approach
Arbaaz Khan, while starting as an actor, eventually shifted his focus towards production and direction. When asked why he doesn’t often cast himself in his own films, Arbaaz explained his decision.
“I like to focus on production. When you’re producing, there’s so much work to manage, from finances to casting. If I take the lead role, I may lose focus. I did cast myself in Dabangg 2 because I believed I fit the role, but after that, I’ve chosen to stay behind the camera,” he said.
In his latest project, Banda Singh Chaudhary, Arbaaz cast Arshad Warsi in the lead role instead of himself. “There are times I feel I can add value to a film without acting in it,” Arbaaz added. “As an actor, I’ve improved over the years, but I still feel that the audience doesn’t come to theaters just for me. As a producer and director, though, I can take bigger chances and push my creative limits.”
The Challenges of Directing Dabangg 2
Taking on Dabangg 2 as a director was one of the most daunting tasks for Arbaaz. After the first Dabangg became a massive hit, the expectations were sky-high.
“Directing Dabangg 2 was a huge challenge for me. People were already making comparisons, and the pressure to deliver was intense. It wasn’t just about directing my second film; it was about living up to the legacy of Dabangg,” he shared. “But the film turned out to be a big hit, and we matched the success of the original, particularly in the music and overall reception.”
The Pressure of Being Salman Khan’s Brother
Arbaaz admits that being Salman Khan’s younger brother comes with its own set of challenges. There have always been high expectations from him, but Arbaaz has found peace with that over time.
“I’ve stopped worrying about comparisons now. It’s a part of this industry, and expectations will always be there. Yes, Salman has achieved tremendous commercial success, and I may not have matched that level as an actor, but I’ve made my place. What matters is that I’m still getting work,” Arbaaz said candidly.
He highlighted that many actors who started with him no longer receive work. “I’m fortunate that I’ve carved out a multi-faceted career, from producing films to directing, and even hosting my own show. The key is to keep working. Look at Bobby Deol – he had a rough phase but is now so busy that he doesn’t have time for new projects.”
The Turning Point Before Dabangg
The period before Dabangg was particularly tough for Arbaaz. He wasn’t achieving the success he had hoped for as an actor, which pushed him to explore production.
“I realized that I wasn’t able to reach the top as an actor. It was hard to accept, but I knew I had to pivot. That’s when I decided to become a producer. It doesn’t matter whether I earn my name through acting or production, as long as I keep moving forward,” Arbaaz explained. “I gave a lot of time to acting, and it just wasn’t working out. That difficult period led me to transition into production and direction, and it’s been a rewarding experience.”
Arbaaz compares his shift in career to legendary filmmakers like Subhash Ghai, Rakesh Roshan, and Shekhar Kapur, who started as actors but found greater success behind the camera.
A Happy Marriage with Shura: A Blessing in Disguise
On the personal front, Arbaaz’s marriage to Shura has brought a lot of positivity into his life. The couple, who have gained popularity on social media for their strong bond, seem to have found their rhythm.
“Shura has brought peace into my life. There’s a sense of stability and confidence that comes from having the right partner. A happy home environment reflects in your work and behavior outside. We are both mature and understand each other very well. Even though there’s an age gap, we don’t feel it,” Arbaaz said, smiling.
He emphasized how Shura encourages him in his career, pushing him to do his best. “She’s genuinely happy when I succeed, and that’s not something everyone experiences with their partner. There’s no ego between us, and that’s what makes our relationship strong.”
Dealing with Security Concerns for Salman Khan
While Arbaaz is busy promoting his film, there are ongoing security concerns for Salman Khan, who has been receiving threats for some time now. Arbaaz admits that the family is trying to live as normally as possible, despite the situation.
“Mom (Salma Khan) is very worried, as anyone would be. But this isn’t a new issue for us. We’ve been dealing with these concerns for years. We’ve taken all the precautions we can, and beyond that, we’ve left it to God. Life has to go on, and movies are our life. We can’t stop living,” Arbaaz shared.
The Khan family has always been under public scrutiny, but they’ve learned to navigate these challenges with grace and focus on their work.
Arbaaz Khan continues to work on new projects, and his ability to adapt and grow in different aspects of the film industry has allowed him to remain a valuable figure in Bollywood. As he balances his career with his personal life, Arbaaz proves that persistence, passion, and hard work are the keys to a lasting career in the entertainment world.
