In a free-wheeling conversation with Priyanka Chandani, arguably the Indian film industry’s most enigmatic actor, filmmaker and philanthropic Salman Khan opens up about Being Human, his philanthropy endeavour, launching new talent and how he doesn’t consider his work as a charity but as a duty of being a human
It was more than 30 years ago, when Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) hit the marquee. Overnight, it became an all-time blockbuster. However, the biggest windfall blew Salman Khan’s way as he acquired heartthrob status instantly and has ever since enjoyed a cult-like fan following. Over the years, Salman inexplicably gained the moniker of Bhai. His professional life has enjoyed unfaltering growth, and the credit goes to all the movies that have been offered to him over the years. The actor says that he has been immensely lucky with the variety of scripts offered to him. “Earlier, I got to choose the best from whatever projects came my way and worked on them. The same continues today,” says the inscrutable superstar.
Although, in his personal life, the actor has gone through several tumultuous phases, including several notorious court cases ― the Blackbuck case in 1998, culpable homicide when he allegedly crashed his car into a bakery in Mumbai in 2002, killing one person and injuring four ― and has almost always been embroiled in controversies.
From Bad Boy to Goodwill Ambassador
For a while, the ‘Bhai’ of Bollywood was in the bad books in every corner. But his charity work had superseded the ‘Bad Boy of Bollywood’ image for the jailed actor. To begin with, he was cheered for his efforts behind the Being Human Foundation, which was registered in 2007 as a non-profit charitable trust. The trust was formed to provide healthcare and primary education to the economically marginalised section of society. For the past decade, the foundation has organized cataract surgeries, free eye camps and women’s healthcare camps across India.
The venture into philanthropy was driven by a profound realization of the power of collective goodwill and the desire to make a tangible difference. My vision was to channel my popularity and resources towards creating a better world for the less fortunate. It wasn’t just about charity, it was about initiating a movement that embodied compassion, kindness, and humanity,” says the reticent Khan.
Sustainable revenue strategy
Over the years, Being Human partnered with various charitable foundations and offered free treatments to children and those in need of any health-related support. For instance, Being Human’s collaboration with Fortis Foundation offered free treatment to children with heart defects. The Little Hearts Programme was aimed at helping children below the poverty line. About 849 surgeries were funded through the programme.
But how does Being Human work apart from the collaborations? Khan spells it out that the foundation has put in place a revenue-sharing model with a private company to fund its programmes. It gets a 5.75 per cent share from the sale of tees, women’s wear, kids’ wear, jewellery, flip flops and electric bikes, which sell under the Being Human brand. Talking about his entry into the apparel sector, the actor said, “Clothes, watches, paintings… whatever talent I have, whatever sells, we will sell it. All the money from that will go into the charitable foundation.”
Have you ever heard someone say, ‘Oh I’m just human’? People say it when they’ve made a mistake. It’s an easy way to justify the mistake.”
When fashion meets charity
When asked about Being Human T-shirt brand, the leading man of Tiger Zinda Hai espoused, “We couldn’t keep asking people for donations. So we have set up this clothing line. We’ll sell T-shirts as we are good at it. I told myself, ‘This is it. We’ll sell T-shirts to make money for the charity,” Circa 2009, the foundation showcased its clothing at HDIL Couture Week 2009, which was supported by a host of Bollywood stars. Khan launched the brand through a tie-up with Cotton & Linen Clothing major Cottonworld. The T-shirts were sold at offline stores and on the BookMyShow website. The watches were sold on the Being Human website.
Help a friend of a friend of a friend…
Some of the foundations that Being Human has collaborated with are the non-profit Akshara High School, NGO Aseem and the Maharashtra Prabodhan Seva Mandal to provide free education to 500 children directly, and 4,000 indirectly. The foundation also funds career development centres along with NIIT and Coca-Cola, besides Zila Parishads in Maharashtra. Under Project Veer, the foundation provides a platform to skill differently abled persons and make them job ready. Cut to present. The year 2024, has witnessed the brand making its presence felt in over 15 countries with over 600 points of sale. Besides, it has set up exclusive stores in 45 cities across India and sells its merchandise through shop-in-shops, distributor networks and online portals.
Redefining celebrity philanthropy Clearly,
Being Human isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill celebrity charitable trust with an accent on tom-tomming about the star’s CSR activities. It focusses on education and healthcare, specifically helping underprivileged communities. With Khan being visibly at the helm, Being Human has become a major player in Indian philanthropy, inspiring others to get involved. The impact of the foundation is both profound and far-reaching. Through its efforts in education Through its efforts in education and healthcare, the foundation has changed the lives of thousands. By leveraging the popularity of the Being Human brand and the raw magnetic appeal of its founder, the brand contributes significantly to the foundation’s funding through the sale of branded merchandise, the actor has ensured that the foundation continues to expand its outreach.
I think there should be an expiry date on animosity, on hatred, on not being able to forgive. I don’t think you should stretch that too far because life is too short to hate…
Sage or sinner?
The Being Human Foundation’s journey is an example of how celebrity influence, when harnessed for the right cause, can lead to a significant social impact and change. Of course, one can argue that it is moot to point out that the initiative wasn’t shabby about cleaning up the ‘bad boy’ image of the actor. The actor thinks otherwise. “Have you ever heard someone say, ‘Oh I’m just human’? People say it when they’ve made a mistake. It’s an easy way to justify the mistake. So, what we’re trying to say is that instead of using the term so conveniently, just try and do your best. Even if it means smiling at someone when you’re in a bad mood… and to forgive. To let it go. I think there should be an expiry date on animosity, on hatred, on not being able to forgive. I don’t think you should stretch that too far because life is too short to hate,” reflects the actor in an interview.
Being humble
With most criminal charges remaining under trial, the actor says he is fine if people think that “my charity work is to clear my image. If people think I am successful because of what I do with the foundation they should also do the same. If this is the success formula, then everyone should choose it. I am okay with what people think,” says the actor with a hint of steel in his voice. Khan candidly admits that while the Being Human Clothing is the money-spinner for him, he also claims to put it back into charity post taxes. “We don’t make any money from this venture. After tax, every penny we get goes back to the foundation,” he says flatly.
If anyone asks Khan about the venture’s details, he has the details at his fingertips. He says many people want to thank him, but he doesn’t meet anyone. “It’s no big deal. There’s no need to take credit for something that you should be doing as a human being,” he shrugs.
Lending a leg-up…
Apart from being an actor, producer, and philanthropist, Salman Khan seems to have yet added another facet to his personality. Khan is now the mentor, and godfather to many newcomers in Bollywood. “Please! I am no Godfather; I’m their mentor. If someone comes to me, saying, “Mujhe launch kar do (Please launch me {in a movie})’, obviously, I’m not going to do it instantly. Till the time I don’t see a spark, dedication and devotion to their craft, I won’t think about it. These are the guys I have seen, they are hardworking,” says Khan who has the credit of launching actors like Zaheer Khan and Pranutan in Notebook, Suraj Pancholi, Aayush Sharma, Sonakshi Sinha, Daisy Shah, Zarine Khan, Jaqueline Fernandez, to name just a few.
“All of them have worked hard on themselves and have been patient. Zaheer (Khan) was an assistant to me like Sooraj and Aayush. I was an AD for four films before I became an actor. There are no shortcuts; ki koi aapko launch kar de (like someone will launch you),” says the actor and adds that he “only launches deserving candidates, and not just anybody.”
Giving back
Recalling his days of struggle, Khan says, he is only paying back what he received from the industry. The actor says, that back in the ‘80s when he was struggling, directors trusted his potential and launched him, so he is doing the same. “Back in the day, I was a newcomer looking for that magical break. I was fortunate that the makers of Biwi Ho Toh Aisi (1988) and Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) gave me an opportunity. Today, I am in a position where I can introduce youngsters. If a film is made within the right budget and the boy and the girl have the spark, it is okay to produce it. Initially, there was a fear of backing a newcomer because the money is yours and so is the responsibility. Earlier, everybody was more forgiving. Today, everything is put under a microscope. If you introduce talent, you need to invest in them and ensure that they put their best foot forward. Even before the film releases, someone has a problem with the title, there’s social media, some or the other story is coming out, so it’s difficult to keep up and ensure everything stays in place. Production-wise, if you can make the movie within the right budget, you will land safely. The satellite and digital rights fetch enough for you to cover the costs,” explains the actor in detail.
Please! I am no Godfather; I’m their mentor. If someone comes to me, saying, ‘Mujhe launch kar do’, obviously, I’m not going to do it instantly.
Nobody’s fool, he!
However, what is important to him is to make a nice product and ensure that it’s a safe bet. “I know people will start a debate on — what’s so great about giving a break to someone from the family, etc. But honestly, I don’t give a damn about what people say. I’m of the view that he is our boy, our talent, if we don’t have the confidence to launch him, how can anyone else do the same?” asks the actor.
The actor officially launches new talent under his talent management company ‘Being Talented’ which he says has a different way of working as compared to others. “We support newcomers and since we also have a production house, we make films with them. At the same time, they can also do outside movies. We’re not fixated on numbers, it’s about finding newbies and nurturing them,” signs off the enigma called Salman Khan.
