Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has reflected on how hosting the television show Dus Ka Dum became a turning point in his career, drawing parallels between his television journey and that of megastar Amitabh Bachchan.
During the ‘Weekend Ka Vaar’ episode of Bigg Boss 20, Salman revealed that he was going through a challenging phase when he was offered Dus Ka Dum and was initially reluctant to take up the show. However, his father, acclaimed screenwriter Salim Khan, encouraged him to accept the opportunity.
Recalling how Kaun Banega Crorepati gave Amitabh Bachchan a fresh connection with audiences, Salman said the show helped viewers see a different side of the legendary actor. He noted that Dus Ka Dum similarly changed public perception of him, with audiences beginning to recognise him beyond his film roles.
“I wasn’t going to do it because there was so much being talked about against me. Every newspaper and TV channel was thrashing me, left, right and centre. I spoke to my father about it and asked for advice,” Salman said.
He added that after appearing on Dus Ka Dum, audiences seemed to overlook his work in films such as Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Karan Arjun, focusing instead on his personality on television.
“The same thing happened with Mr Bachchan. The day he did KBC, he became Kaun Banega Crorepati uncle. So, they forgot all my film work and only remembered Dus Ka Dum,” Salman said.
The actor hosted two seasons of Dus Ka Dum and has since hosted Bigg Boss for 17 seasons. Reflecting on the impact of television on his public image, he said that despite the ups and downs, it was important to show people who one truly is.
Salman described the experience as a significant moment in his career, when viewers connected with him as a person rather than just as an actor.