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Arjun Kapoor Reflects on Salman Khan’s Influence in His Career

Arjun Kapoor’s journey in Bollywood took a pivotal turn when he met Salman Khan during the production of the film Wanted in 2009. Initially focused on behind-the-scenes roles as an assistant director, Arjun did not envision himself as a leading actor. However, Salman recognized his latent potential and encouraged him to embark on a weight loss journey and consider acting seriously. This encouragement led to Arjun’s successful debut in the film Ishaqzaade in 2012, marking the start of his acting career in the industry.

In a recent conversation with Raj Shammani, Arjun Kapoor expressed deep appreciation for Salman Khan’s significant impact on his career. He noted, “He has always understood cinema as a medium for the audience, never limiting it to just the artist’s perspective. Even now, he actively engages with mass entertainment through stage shows and Bigg Boss, demonstrating his commitment to appealing to the wider public. His upbringing, surrounded by influential figures like Salim-Javed, has allowed him to effectively engage with mainstream cinema.”

Arjun defended Salman against criticisms that portray him as a bully, describing him instead as a warm-hearted individual. “He’s not a bully. Often, people misinterpret his serious demeanor as aloofness. In reality, there’s much warmth in him, even if it’s not immediately apparent,” he explained. He emphasized that understanding Salman’s personality requires taking the time to see beyond the surface.

Further praising Salman’s character, Arjun added, “He embodies fearlessness and consistently embraces challenges head-on. Throughout the years, he has stayed true to himself at his core, showcasing an unyielding spirit and strong mindset.”

Arjun Kapoor credited Salman Khan for motivating him to shed weight and pursue his acting dreams, a desire he initially set aside due to his struggles with obesity. Reflecting on their conversation, Arjun shared, “My journey to losing weight began because he encouraged me to give acting a chance. I always aimed to be a filmmaker and didn’t envision acting as a possibility at 150 kgs. But when he saw me dance and joke around, he recognized the entertainer in me. That pivotal moment, that conversation, inspired my transformation.”

It’s noteworthy that Arjun has also been linked to Salman Khan’s family, having previously dated his sister, Arpita Khan, before his relationship with Malaika Arora, his sister-in-law.

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