Sonil Dedhia (MID-DAY; September 28, 2017)

Salman Khan pulls off a Daniel Craig year after year when he claims he will not return as the host of hit reality show, Bigg Boss, but has a change of heart. It's an irony he makes light of himself. Bollywood's blue-eyed boy established himself as a successful television anchor by reprimanding, applauding, and even flirting his way into the hearts of the house's inmates, and television viewers. For an artiste who is perceived as private, Khan reveals many facets of his personality on the controversial show, making us wonder if his demeanour is merely a front to appease the masses.

"When you are interacting with the common man, you can't be pretentious," Khan says in his defence, adding, "The contestants portray their true identities on the show. Unless I do the same, I'll look fake. [Being unpretentious] is scary, because in the movies, I play a character, and say dialogues that are written. [Here] I worry about being accepted. But, when you keep doing your thing, people accept you for who you are."

While Khan, who often threatens to call time on his stint owing to the contestants' misbehaviour, attributes his "love-hate relationship" with the show for drawing him back, hushed whispers suggest that the actor's return has got to do with the fat paycheck.

Khan is believed to earn Rs 11 crore per week for two days of shooting in this upcoming season. One season typically lasts 12 weeks. But the actor doesn't entertain discussions around remuneration. "If I am doing well, I'll get paid [well]. They will pay me if they make profits."

Ahead of the 11th season, which kicks off on October 1, Khan dismisses suggestions that last year witnessed a slump in TRPs. He points out that a discussion about the new season wouldn't be feasible if it hadn't done well last year. "If the last season had not done well, we wouldn't be coming out with a new one. No one would go ahead with something if they lost money."