Salman’s Dad Wanted Him to Play Cricket, But Here’s Why He Didn’t

Salman tells the story of why his dad Salim Khan wanted him to become a cricketer, and why it was never his dream.

Salim Khan with Salman Khan at a Bajrangi Bhaijaan event. (Photo: Yogen Shah)

Salman Khan, always full of surprises, recently revealed that his father Salim Khan wanted the actor to become a cricketer when he was growing up. At Sania Mirza’s book launch, the actor said that former Indian cricketer Salim Durani had been hired to coach him when he was a little boy, and had even told his father that Salman had a bright future in the game. But it wasn’t Salman’s dream because he just couldn’t manage to wake up early for practice. 

My dad wanted me to play cricket. That could have happened easily but I just didn’t see myself going for cricket practice at 5:30 in the morning. This life is as it is difficult for me, cricket would have been very difficult.

Salman Khan, Actor

Salman, who has a reputation of arriving late on sets, couldn’t see himself waking up early and deliberately played badly every time his father would show up on the field.

Salman tries his hand at batting. (Photo courtesy: Twitter/‏@StarSportsIndia)

Salim Durani was hired to be my coach. First day, he saw me play, I played very well. Second day, I did really well so he called my father the third day and said your son has got a very bright future. That is the day I realised, my father came to see me play... so I should play really badly.

Salman Khan

Salman also said candidly that making it to school on time was tough enough for him, so waking up at 5:30 am for practice was quite an impossible feat. But coming to what Salman’s own aspirations, the superstar said that he always wanted to direct films as a child. Speaking for all Salman fans, we are glad he decided to be in front of the camera rather than behind it!

(With inputs from PTI)