I like to get bigger, better with each film: Salman Khan (IANS Interview)

Salman Khan is known for portraying myriad shades on the cinematic canvas - be it his iconic 'Prem' avatar, zany police officer of "Dabangg" or a simpleton in "Bajrangi Bhaijaan". The superstar, who now awaits the release of the grand family drama "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", is eyeing greater success in showbiz as he believes in getting "bigger and better" with each film.

"After 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo' and 'Sultan', I've signed nothing much yet. I have finalised one script. Whatever I do next has to be on the same level or much higher than that. A film of the same level, but of a different kind; or a better film is welcome. And currently, we are working on that script.

"Once you get appreciation (for your work), you want to keep on getting that and keep on getting bigger and better," Salman, one of Bollywood's highest paid stars, told IANS in an interview during his visit here for promoting "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", which will also release in Pakistan.

It's a 'double bonanza' year for Salman's fans. After winning hearts in India and abroad, including Pakistan, with his heart-warming performance in "Bajrangi Bhaijaan", Salman, who will turn 50 on December 27, will be back with a bang as 'Prem' in Sooraj Barjatya's directorial that is releasing on November 12.

Prem is an onscreen name that Salman has taken on several times in his past films. But this time, the son of veteran writer Salim Khan says Prem is back with a lot more "fun and naughty antics".

He is also confident that the audience "will receive Prem really well" with "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", which reunites him with Barjatya after 16 years.

Barjatya introduced Salman as a lover boy of Bollywood through "Maine Pyar Kiya" in 1989, and they weaved the magic again onscreen with hit films like "Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!" and "Hum Saath-Saath Hain".

Salman says it's always a delight to work with Barjatya, whom he considers "the best person in the world" and one who "connects with people from bottom of the heart". He also quipped that Barjatya, in fact, is "more romantic" than him.

"All the scenes that you see in a movie from 'Maine Pyar Kiya', 'Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!' to 'Hum Saath-Saath Hain', they were written by Barjatya. I have just enacted them," said the handsome hunk, who has a huge female fan following across the globe.

In "Prem Ratan Dhan Payo", Salman's heroine is Sonam Kapoor, who looks classy in colourful and traditional wear in the film's trailer. The movie's vibe is desi, and Salman has dual looks in it. With Barjatya's signature palatial sets, fancy costumes and a larger than life canvas, the movie looks like a Diwali treat for Salman's fans.

After that, he will be seen as a wrestler in "Sultan", for which the "Bigg Boss Nau" host is already sporting a refreshing avatar.

(Sugandha Rawal can be contacted at sugandha.r@ians.in)