Dus Ka Dum 3 host Salman Khan says he was scared to show real self on TV

 Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is one of the most loved and bankable hosts on the small screen. The Dabangg actor, who has successfully hosted eight seasons of Bigg Boss 11, is all set to return with Dus Ka Dum 3 from June 4.

 The Bajrangi Bhaijaan actor, while addressing media during the launch of Dus ka Dum 3, said that he was initially hesitant to show his real self on television.

 Salman Khan, who made his small screen debut as the host of Dus Ka Dum in 2008, said that he turned to his father Salim Khan for advice.

 The Sultan actor revealed that he was scared to show his real personality on the game show as he thought TV was the most powerful medium.

 “This was my TV debut and during that time there was negativity around me. I was very scared to show my original personality on ‘Dus Ka Dum’. I thought TV is the most powerful medium, so I was really scared,” the 52-year-old actor said.

The dashing actor told the reporters that he took advice from his father who suggested him to show the real Salman.

“I asked my father if I should go and do it, the show will have the common man and I was really scared of being myself. He said ‘who else do you want to be? This is who you are, go show the world who you are. If it’s accepted, good, if not, change yourself’,” Salman was quoted as saying by PTI.

Salman Khan also said the unlike movies; TV shows show the real personality of the host and he is happy he found acceptance with the viewers. 

The Prem Ratan Dhan Payo actor has delivered many superhits and played memorable roles, but he said he was surprised when he witnessed people in rural areas addressing him as Dus Ka Dum.

Salman Khan added that he realised the power of television back then and has been advocating the same to other B-town actors to venture into the small screen. However, they are not too keen, he said.

“They think people will look down if they do TV after films. They’d rather not work than make those lakhs of rupees on TV that they will never make in the film industry,” he said.

When asked who he believed can host Dus Ka Dum 3 apart from him, the Wanted actor said, “Everyone is competent. I think Shah Rukh could very easily host the show, Aamir, Akshay and Sanju (Sanjay Dutt). Apart from that, I don’t know.”

(With PTI inputs)