Veteran director JK Bihari, who gave Salman Khan his debut role in the 1988 film "Biwi Ho Toh Aisi," has recently shared insights into the actor's early days in the industry. In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Bihari revealed that Khan, despite his enthusiasm, was initially quite raw and inexperienced.
According to Bihari, during the filming of "Biwi Ho Toh Aisi," Salman Khan "didn't know much" about acting. Bihari recounted having to be patient with the young actor, who would sometimes struggle with his lines. The director noted that Khan was serious about his work but lacked formal training at the time.
Stepping in as a mentor was Rekha, the film's lead actress. Bihari shared that Rekha would patiently guide Khan, helping him with his dialogues and offering support when he fumbled. "Rekha would tell me to wait, and she would help him,” Bihari said, emphasizing her crucial role in nurturing the then-newcomer.
Despite his initial lack of experience, Bihari was quick to praise Khan's dedication and punctuality. Contrary to reports about the actor's alleged tardiness in recent years, Bihari stated that Khan was always on time during the filming of "Biwi Ho Toh Aisi". He also dismissed any notions of Khan being temperamental, describing him as "really nice" and cooperative.
Khan's enthusiasm for the project was also evident in his willingness to go the extra mile. Bihari revealed that Khan was so excited about landing the role that he even brought his own clothes to the set for use in the film.
Interestingly, an old video of Rekha on Bigg Boss resurfaced where she fondly recalled Salman Khan's childhood admiration for her. She recounted how a young Khan would follow her on his bicycle during her morning walks, seemingly captivated by her presence.
"Biwi Ho Toh Aisi" marked the beginning of Salman Khan's illustrious career in Bollywood. While the film may not have been a blockbuster, it provided Khan with a valuable learning experience and the opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals like Rekha. Her mentorship undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping Khan's early steps in the industry.
Khan has faced a rough patch recently with some of his films not performing well at the box office. Despite the recent setbacks, he remains one of the most recognizable and successful actors in Bollywood. From his early days of bringing his own clothes to set to becoming a global superstar, Salman Khan's journey is a testament to his hard work and the guidance he received along the way.
