Salman Khan has always been considered the film industry's Good Samaritan and more famously, as a Bollywood ticket for newcomers.
Apart from a handful of actors and musicians, he is said to have given the big break to as many as 11 actresses, even casting them in lead roles opposite him in different films. However, despite their splashing debuts, the starlets have struggled to find work in B-Town. Hitlist turns the spotlight on some of the younger actresses, who faded no sooner than they were launched...
Elli Avram
Big break: Reality show, Bigg Boss
When she made her entry into the Bigg Boss 7 house, little did we know who she was, although she had her debut film, Mickey Virus, up for release.
However, Salman seemed quite taken by her firang looks and would spare her the stick on the show. Tales of the Elli-Salman closeness grabbed headlines and prospects of a future film with the superstar was also flashed in the media. While Elli is said to have signed a film, the grapevine is abuzz about the duo making an outing on the silver screen very soon.
Sana Khan
Big break: Jai Ho (2014)
She was another Bigg Boss contestant who had Salman pulling out all stops to make her comfortable (and blush!) on the show. Post her reality show stint, Sana made her Bollywood debut in Salman's blockbuster, Jai Ho. Just before her film's release, Sana was embroiled in a controversy surrounding an alleged kidnapping of a 15-year-old girl and she went underground. No prizes for guessing, Salman stood by her. Sana hasn't signed any Bollywood film after Jai Ho.
Daisy Shah
Big break: Jai Ho (2014)
It doesn't happen often that a background dancer is offered the lead role in a film, that too, opposite Salman Khan. The actor is said to have spotted Daisy during the a song shoot for Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya (2005) and later when she was assisting choreographer, Ganesh Acharya. Though the actress hasn't been seen in any Hindi film after Jai Ho, she will soon be seen in a Kannada film.
Hazel Keech
Big break: Bodyguard (2011)
Despite Kareena Kapoor playing the lead role opposite Salman in this 100-crore plus film, Hazel's role in the film held significance as Bebo's bestie. Thanks to the benevolent Salman, Hazel now sees her self receiving good offers from big banners. In the meanwhile, she continues to work in Telugu and Punjabi films.
Zarine Khan
Big break: Veer (2010)
She had a dream debut but the success story isn't worth sharing, more so because the film failed to set the box office coffers ringing. Rumours has it that Salman Khan was interested in her because she reminded him of his ex flame, Katrina Kaif, albeit a chubbier version. The actress was last seen in Housefull 2 and is now doing Tamil and Punjabi films.
Mahek Chahal
Big break: Wanted (2008)
A regular face in Punjabi flicks, Mahek debuted with Nayee Padosan (2003) and did a few blink-and-miss roles in Hindi films until Salman offered her a role in Wanted and then another in Main Aurr Mrs Khanna (2009). Two years after that, Salman apparently recommended her name for the reality show, Bigg Boss. `Salman is a mentor and has always guided me about my negatives,` Mahek has said. Last we heard Mahek has turned designer and launched her own fashion label.
Sneha Ullal
Big break: Lucky: No Time For Love (2005)
After his break up with Aishwarya Rai, Salman noticed the doe-eyed college girl, a friend of his sister, and found that she bore an uncanny resemblance to his ex. And the next thing we know, the teenager was making her screen debut opposite Bhai in Lucky: No Time for Love After this utterly forgettable film, she vanished into thin air. Reportedly, Salman is helping her make a comeback. `I was too naive when I did that film. Now that I have done a couple of films in South, I am ready to come back here. Of late, he has been guiding me for it (comeback),` she has been quoted as saying earlier.
