Salman Khan, the "Tom Cruise" of India, is in New York on 34th Street filming a scene for Jaaneman. (10/02/2005). Photo Credit: LawrenceSchwartzwald/Splash News
Bollywood's other two Khans – Aamir and Shahrukh have already notched up notable success this year. Shahrukh’s KANK is a declared superhit within two weeks of its release, with some reports suggesting that it has already grossed Rs 70 crores. Aamir’s Rang De Basanti, and Fanaa were both big hits.
Hrithik Roshan with Krrish and Abhishek Bachchan with KANK and Bunty Aur Babli are two other stars who have got big nods from the audiences this year.
Salman Khan, so far this year, has been in the limelight for the wrong reason - his legal transgressions. In February he was sentenced to one year in prison for hunting an endangered species, the Chinkara. Fortunately for him, following an appeal, the sentence was stayed by a higher court.
Later, on April 10, in a different case for a similar offence, he was handed a five year jail term. This time he actually spent 2 days in jail before being released on bail.
Salman has had one lack luster release so far in 2006 - Shaadi karke phas gaya yaar, a film that no one, including Salman, placed any bets on and which, not surprisingly, turned out to be a big flop.
However, Salman fans need not despair. They will get to see their favorite star soon and repeatedly. He is due to appear in three big ticket movies almost back to back later this year.
Releasing on 23 Oct 2006 will be Salam-e-Ishq: A tribute to love, produced by Mukesh Talreja (Tere Naam / Kyon Ki / Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha). The film packs a wallop as far as the star cast goes - Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Akshaye Khanna, Ayesha Takia, John Abraham, Vidya Balan, Govinda, Shannon Esrechowitz, Sohail Khan, Perizaad Zorabian and Anjana Sukhani
Next, releasing on 10 Nov 2006, is BR Films Babul featuring Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini, Salman Khan, Rani Mukherjee, John Abraham and Om Puri.
Finally, on 17 November 2006 will be the long awaited Janeman by Bollywood Hollywood Productions featuring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, Preity Zinta and Anupam Kher. The film has an interesting history detailed in Jaaneman - Keeps us waiting.
Though Salman will have three good opportunities to do so it is unlikely he will emerge as the dominant star of 2006. He seems to have too many contenders. Hrithik Roshan, with the gravity defying super hit Krrish already tucked under his super hero cape and with Dhoom II set to explode during Diwali, seems to be front runner for that honor. Closely trailing are Shahrukh, Aamir and Abhishek. There are other stars to contend with - Sunjay Dutt in Lage Raho Munna Bhai, could come good, very good! Similarly, King Khan Shahrukh could well settle the issue with yet another stellar performance in the anxiously awaited remake of Don.
Salman, who has other good films lined up for release early next year, is unlikely to be perturbed. Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Saawariyan opposite Rani Mukerjee, Sony Pictures India's first foray into local production, is one example. His other movies currently filming include God Tussi Great Ho, Partner and London Dreams
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