Salman Khan’s entry into Bollywood did not begin with a screen test, long audition hours, or a big star launch. For his first film, Biwi Ho Toh Aisi, director JK Bihari recalled selecting Salman Khan after noticing the way he walked towards his office with a file in his hand.
In an interview with the Indian Express, Bihari recalled that he was searching for a young actor to play a character in the movie. Although he had already finalised much of the cast when Salman arrived, he decided to sign Salman on the spot.
Why JK Bihari Selected Salman Khan Without An Audition
JK Bihari was working on Biwi Ho Toh Aisi, a family drama featuring Rekha and Farooque Shaikh. The director was looking for a young actor to play the character of Rekha’s brother-in-law, the younger brother of Farooque Shaikh’s character.
In one episode of Siddharth Kannan, JK Bihari recalled Salman Khan’s first audition more briefly. He said that he was sitting in his garage, which was also his office, when he spotted Salman approaching him with a file.
“I didn't even know him, but I said, ‘Whoever this boy is, I will take him,” Bihari recalled. “I decided just by looking at his walk that I am going to sign him,” the director added.
Bihari recalled that Salman came in, spoke to him and was told that he had been selected. The young actor was surprised by how quickly the opportunity came through.
Speaking about his first movie, Salman Khan, at the launch of Dus Ka Dum in 2018, recalled that Bihari had already approached several actors for the role, but they had declined it.
When Salman Khan got to know about the acting opportunity, he quickly dressed up and prepared to impress the director. He also prepared for his audition but believed that his confident entrance had secured him the part.
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Salman Khan Did Not Mention His Father’s Name During Audition
One of the most important things about the incident is that Salman Khan did not mention that he was Salim Khan’s son.
JK Bihari told The Indian Express that the role was relatively small and not a leading part. Had he known Salman’s family background, he said, he might not have cast him in the movie.
“Salim Khan was such a big writer and the role was quite small. It wasn’t a hero’s role,” Bihari said.
Bihari also recalled being worried that Salman Khan might reject the part afterwards. Salman, however, accepted the supporting role.
According to Bihari, Salim Khan was also very supportive of the decision. He encouraged the collaboration, telling Bihari that he was a new director and his son was a newcomer too.
(Image Credit: Instagram @bollyywoodlovverss)
What Happened With Salman Khan After His First Movie?
After Biwi Ho To Aisi was released, Salman Khan was not convinced. He admitted in an interview with Rediff that his role in the movie left him wondering whether acting was for him or not.
He said, “I thought it would be my first and last film.” He considered returning to modelling or pursuing writing and direction.
But JK Bihari was already convinced by Salman Khan's acting skills and signed him for a three-film agreement. The contract was strict, requiring Salman to work on the films whenever the producer decided to make them.
However, Salman’s next opportunity changed the course of his early career. Sooraj Barjatya cast him as the lead in Maine Pyar Kiya, which was released in 1989. The film went on to establish Salman as a star.
Salman Khan’s first film came through an unusual casting decision, but his willingness to take a supporting role proved just as important as the director’s instinct.
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Do you think Salman should have rejected the small character and started his career directly with Maine Pyar Kiya?
FAQs
Q1. What was Salman Khan’s first film?
A1. Salman Khan made his acting debut in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), directed by JK Bihari.
Q2. Which film made Salman Khan a star?
A2. Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), directed by Sooraj Barjatya, established Salman as a leading man.
Q3. Why did JK Bihari cast Salman Khan without an audition?
A3. Bihari recalled being impressed by Salman’s walk as he approached his office.