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‘BEING CALLED SALMAN’S BROTHER AN ADVANTAGE’
Actorproducer Arbaaz Khan says he hasn’t really been in the shadow of his illustrious family
Son to legendary screenwriter Salim Khan and younger brother to superstar Salman Khan, actor Arbaaz Khan says the stardom of his kin has not overshadowed his career. Far from bothering him, the tag of Salman’s brother only acts as an advantage.
“I don’t think (it has bothered me) ever. There are only advantages to coming from a known family,” Arbaaz says, adding that to say he was under the shadow of his father or brother would only be an excuse.
The 50-year-old, last seen in Tera Intezaar (2017), however agrees that coming from an illustrious family brings along its own share of pressure, which he has taken in his stride. “There is a pressure. People look at you differently. But you’ve got to move on. I look at all that has happened to me because of my family as an advantage rather than disadvantage. It has more pros than cons.”
The actor made his debut as a psychotic wife-beater in Daraar (1996), his debut, and went on to do supporting roles in films such as Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998) and Garv: Pride and Honour (2004). After a decade-long acting career, Arbaaz took a brief sabbatical from acting between 2009 and 2014, producing films such as Dabangg (2010), Dabangg (2012) — which he also directed, and Dolly Ki Doli (2015). He, however, admits to acting being his first love.
“Acting is something I’m passionate about. I am someone who wants to be known for who I am. I know there are insecurities to being an actor. If I wanted to just make money, I would have chosen some other profession. There are certain compromises you need to make, but they are all worth it. The perks of being recognised are something else,” he signs off.
[But] there is a pressure. People look at you differently. But you’ve got to move on. I look at it all as an advantage instead of a disadvantage ARBAAZ KHAN, ACTOR AND PRODUCER