Sooraj Pancholi and Aathiya Shetty are not the only newbies to be mentored by Salman Khan. The superstar has gone out of his way to support and promote young actors, and sometimes actresses.And musicians too. Some of them have gone on to become major stars. Others couldn’t build on Advantage Salman. Here’s a list of Salman’s protégées who made it and who didn’t.
Hrithik Roshan: Salman took a shine to Roshan Jr during the shooting of Rakesh Roshan’s Karan Arjun. Saw a bright future in the youngster. Personally took photographs of him and gave it to key media persons and producers.
Inder Kumar: Then there was Inder Kumar. Salman saw huge potential in this young actor too. Inder not only hung around Salman’s home (like all his protégés) he also played roles in Salman’s home productions and Salman-starrers like Tum Ko Na Bhool Payenge and Wanted. However every Salman protégée cannot be a Hrithik Roshan.
Himesh Reshammiya: It’s not just actors who owe their careers to Salman. Himesh was only a struggling composer in Bollywood until Salman’s ears fell on the Gujju composer’s catchy songs. Salman repeatedly used Himesh songs in his film and sang Himesh’s songs on screen. Big boost.
Armaan Malik: Anu Malik’s nephew has shot to stardom with the Hero theme song sung by Salman Khan.
Sonakshi Sinha: It’s not just the guys who benefit from Salman’s mentoring. Look at Sonakshi Sinha! Who knows what shape her career would have taken if Salman and Dabangg had not happened to her?
Vinay Virmani: After Sooraj Pancholi it’s Toronto-based Vinay Virmani whom Salman will mentor into stardom. Salman is the co-producer of Vinay’s Dr Cabbie. And he has big plans for the newcomer.
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