Salman Khan, fondly known as Bollywood’s Bhaijaan, is one of the most iconic actors in the industry today. However, his journey to stardom wasn’t smooth. While today, Salman commands the industry with his star power, there was a time when he was signed for films that never saw the light of day, despite being paid a signing amount.
Early Days: Signed for Just Rs 5,000
In the late 1980s, before Salman Khan became a household name, he was signed for a meager amount of Rs 5,000 by filmmaker S Ramanathan. Renowned director and cinematographer Lawrence D’Souza recently recalled these early days of Salman’s career while speaking with Friday Talkies. He shared how Ramanathan saw potential in Salman after watching a special screening of Maine Pyar Kiya, arranged by Rajshri Productions. Though initially unimpressed, Lawrence admitted that Salman grew on him as the film progressed. This led to Ramanathan deciding to sign Salman for his next project.
However, despite signing Salman and paying him Rs 5,000, Ramanathan never went ahead with the project. This incident wasn’t a one-off. As Salman continued to rise in the industry, the pattern repeated. Ramanathan, after witnessing Salman’s growing popularity, decided to sign him again—this time for Rs 5 lakh. But once again, the film was shelved.
Salman’s Frustration with the Unfulfilled Projects
Salman, understandably puzzled by the situation, expressed his frustration to Lawrence. “What kind of a person is he? He gives me money and then does nothing,” Salman reportedly said. This bizarre situation where a rising star was paid but never utilized reflects the unpredictability of the film industry in those days.
The Making of ‘Saajan’ and Its Impact
One of the significant turning points in Salman Khan’s career came with the 1991 blockbuster Saajan. Directed by Lawrence D’Souza, this romantic drama saw Salman Khan sharing screen space with Madhuri Dixit and Sanjay Dutt. The film was not only a massive commercial success but also showcased Salman’s versatility as an actor.
Interestingly, Lawrence revealed that for Saajan, Salman was paid Rs 8 lakh, while Madhuri and Sanjay were paid Rs 11 lakh and Rs 12 lakh respectively. Despite being a lower fee, this was a significant increase from the Rs 5,000 and Rs 5 lakh signing amounts he had received earlier.
Saajan became the highest-grossing film of 1991, and its music remains evergreen even today. The film’s portrayal of friendship, love, and sacrifice struck a chord with audiences, further cementing Salman’s place in Bollywood.
Salman’s Advice to Lawrence: Aim Higher
Salman’s rise in the industry also saw him offering advice to those who had supported him in his early days. Lawrence recalled how Salman, after the success of Saajan, urged him to aim higher. “Now you don’t do all this. You have made Saajan, now you have to do even better than that,” Salman told Lawrence, encouraging him to take on more ambitious projects.
Lawrence, however, admitted that his emotional nature often led him to make films to help producer friends, many of whom were struggling financially. This, he said, was one reason he didn’t amass wealth in the industry, despite his success.
Salman Khan’s journey from being signed for films that never got made to becoming one of Bollywood’s biggest stars is a testament to his perseverance and talent. While the early days of his career were filled with uncertainty, Salman’s dedication and the support of those who believed in him, like Lawrence D’Souza, helped him navigate the unpredictable waters of the film industry. Today, Salman Khan is not just an actor but a brand, inspiring millions with his journey from humble beginnings to unparalleled success.
