PS: He thinks she is a fantastic director Salman Khan is known for helping people make it big in B-Town.
The latest addition to this list is Vidhi Kasliwal, niece of Sooraj Barjatya who makes her directorial debut with this week's release Isi Life Mein, and it features the star in a special appearance.
I'll be there for you
Salman has told Sooraj that he will be present to promote the film anytime and anywhere.
He has also told his friends that Vidhi has made a fantastic film even going to the extent of saying that she can out do her director uncle. Apart from promoting the film, Khan has made an offer to Vidhi that no newcomer can resist.
He has told her that she should think of being an actress, and when she makes up her mind, he will gladly be her on- screen hero!
You have the looks!
Says an insider, "When Salman was shooting for his cameo, he was surprised to see that Vidhi opted to be behind the camera, rather than be in front of it.
He felt Sooraj's niece had the looks to be in the movies, rather than be a director."
Adds the source, "He told her to groom herself to be a B-Town heroine. He also advised her about a workout regime!" And Sallu's statement came not in one of his quirky moments but in saner times.
As the source puts it, "He holds the Barjatyas in the highest regard. His association with them goes back to his Maine Pyar Kiya days. He will do anything for them as gratitude for providing him opportunites to work with them."
'I was nervous'
About Sallu's offer, Vidhi says, "That was Salman's way of making me comfortable on the sets when he came to shoot! I was so nervous directing him in my first film especially because Sooraj maama and Salman share such a great rapport."
'It's time to direct'
But he immediately put all her apprehensions to rest by telling the debutant, "I am here for you. I will not budge from the sets till you get what you want from me in your film!"
Adds Vidhi, "This speaks volumes about the kind of man Salman is. He was extremely welcoming and put me at ease."
Having worked as an assistant director for Rajshri Productions' Vivaah and Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi, Sooraj told her it was time to direct a film.
And following the banner's tradition, decided to launch new faces Akshay Oberoi and Sandeepa Dhar in Isi Life Mein, a film about youth realising their dreams.
Vidhi has done a bit of acting during her theatre days earlier. But at the moment she is unsure about Sallu's offer. "I really don't know if I want to act, " she laughs.
Fresh Innings
Farhan Akhtar made his directorial debut with Dil Chahta Hai and then made films like Lakshya and Don. He then decided to act in Rock On!! followed by Luck By Chance, Karthik Calling Karthik and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara which is slated to release next year.
Karan Johar began with Kuch Kuchh Hota Hai and then directed Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhie Alvida Naa Kehna and My Name Is Khan.
Simultaneously he turned to modelling, compering live shows as well as hosting his chat show Koffee With Karan.
Imtiaz Ali (Socha Na Tha, Jab We Met, Love Aaj Kal) did a cameo in Anurag Kashyap's Black Friday. He was slated to act in Sushil Rajpal's Antardwand, but couldn't, due to date issues.
Director Apoorva Lakhia (Shootout At Lokhandwala) has acted in Dus Kahaniyaan and Knock Out.