What was Salman Khan’s first job before acting? His salary will SHOCK you

New Delhi: Before Salman Khan became the Bollywood superstar who commands crores per film, he earned his first paycheck as a background dancer. The actor recently shared this lesser-known anecdote on Aap Ki Adalat, revealing how he got paid for his first-ever gig at just 14 years old.

Today, Salman’s box-office value is sky-high, but back then, his journey had just begun. Before he became the “Bhai” of Bollywood, he was simply a teenager dancing in the background, unknowingly taking the first step towards a legendary career.

Salman Khan’s first job and paycheck

During the show, the host asked Salman whether he had really worked as a background dancer at 14. The Sultan actor confirmed it with a smile, saying, “Ji sir.” When asked how much he was paid, Salman recalled, “I got Rs 75 for my first-ever earnings. There was a performance at the Taj Hotel, and I was dancing way at the back. That’s where I earned my first hard-earned money.”

The host also quizzed Salman about his first film paycheck, and this time, the actor dodged details about his actual debut. Instead, he spoke about his first blockbuster hit, Maine Pyar Kiya (1989).

Salman, 59, revealed, “I was initially supposed to get Rs 31,000 for Maine Pyar Kiya, but after seeing my hard work, they increased it to Rs 71,000 or Rs 75,000.” That’s a massive jump from Rs 75, proving that dedication (and a few hit songs) can take you places.

Salman’s first movie and breakthrough success

Although Maine Pyar Kiya is widely known as Salman’s breakthrough film, it was not his debut. His first film was 1988’s Biwi Ho To Aisi, where he played a supporting role. However, the film didn’t bring him much recognition.

It was the following year that Maine Pyar Kiya changed everything. The Suraj Barjatya directorial became a historic blockbuster, launching Salman as a leading man and making Bhagyashree, the film’s female lead, an overnight sensation. The movie had a budget of Rs 4 crore but collected Rs 27.50 crore worldwide, a record-breaking success at the time.