DHAHRAN — For the first time in the history of Saudi Arabia, renowned Bollywood Star Salman Khan was a guest on “The Evening with the Stars” event, one of many activities on the Sharqiah Season. The event took place at Ithra, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, where thousands of Salman Khan’s fans gathered to meet their beloved idol.

The audience comprised mostly of the Indian community within the region, as they were chanting the international artist’s name amid applause and cheers from fans in the center, which was filled to capacity.

The hour-long event, hosted by journalist Raya Abi Rashed, was attended by a huge and enthusiastic audience. The excited fans continuously called out Salman Khan’s name throughout the interview, during which he talked about his three-decade career in filmmaking and highlighted details about acting and movies. He also engaged the audience with interesting stories about his character and his creative life.

During the event, Salman Khan discussed the foundations of success in Bollywood and highlighted the obstacles he faced in his career. Khan indicated that his passion for acting began early in his life because he came from an artistic family.

He was greatly encouraged by his father, who was his first inspiration, as well as his mother. His first job was as an assistant director in 1989 after a number of actors rejected the same role. He explained that the roles he took on at beginning of his career were challenging for him because they were limited to the roles of lawyers and engineers, which was a difficult start to his exceptional acting career.

One of Salman Khan's most popular films, which was greatly received within the Indian region and beyond, is “Bajrangi Bhaijaan” or “Big Brother ..Bajrangi”. This blockbuster movie has won multiple awards.

The Sharqiah Season is building a positive image about the unique local tourism and contributing to enhancing its economic and social impact. The season offers more than 100 exciting and engaging activities, carefully selected and designed to suit all segments of society, which has made it the focus of everyone's attention. — SG