BEING HUMAN: Salman Khan’s Day Out With Hospital Kids

MUMBAI: In many ways, he’s the devil with the heart of gold. Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once again proved that his heart, like his biceps, is large! The gold-hearted superstar was spotted at a local hospital, at the anniversary of a specialty facility.

Seen along with Congress leader Baba Siddiqui (he of the infamous Iftar Party Hug), Salman Khan went all out to lend his might to the Holy Family hospital. While there, Salman interacted with a few children and even spoke at length about the facility, which has been specially started for the underprivileged.

In a light blue ‘Being Human’ tee and jeans, Salman cut a hopeful, almost charitable picture. All of Bollywood is aware that for those in need, Salman is but a phone call away. His tales of bravado and benevolence are legendary in the industry circles.

Many a time, Salman Khan has lent a helping hand to filmmakers who are in need of star-power to uplift the fate of their film. He has done countless films and endorsements, reportedly free of charge, for his close friends and extended family. His compassion and generosity only pave the way in humanising him to the masses, who are forever in awe of his super starry, larger-than-life persona.

Even his clothing line, ‘Being Human’, bears witness to his kind and altruistic nature. Some of the proceeds from the sale of the ‘Being Human’ brand go towards his charity, The Salman Khan Foundation, which is a charitable trust set up to help the underprivileged. The charity focuses specifically on education and healthcare: the things that are closest to Salman’s heart.

With so much love to spare in his big heart for those in need, it is no wonder that Salman is often referred to as the ‘Dabangg’ Robin Hood of Bollywood!

(Photos by: Deven Lad/SOLARIS IMAGES)

I am not good at asking for money: Salman Khan

Actor Salman Khan, who runs a charitable organisation to help the underprivileged, says after achieving so much in life it is time to give back and he is certainly doing his bit

Salman launched the Being Human Foundation in 2009, which sells clothes, merchandises online and in stores in Mumbai, Ludhiana and Ahmedabad. The 47-year-old actor also plans to open restaurants and hospitals in the next five to six months under the same initiative. 

"It is not my business to get into restaurants, clothing etc. As an actor, you only have the habit of getting things most of the times. But there is always time to give back to the society and I am doing my bit," Salman told PTI in an exclusive interview here. A huge percentage of the money that Salman earns through his films is donated to the foundation.

A sizable amount from Being Human also takes care of industry people like workers and technicians. "Friends from the film industry do help whenever they can. But I am not good at asking money. You ask and keep asking for money and those people run away from you, and you lose friends. "If you like any of things that are available at our stores come and pick it up.

A percentage from this goes back into the charity, so you are doing charity," he said. Recently, bike manufacturer Suzuki Motorcycle India partnered with the Being Human Foundation of Salman, to launch a special edition of its scooter 'Suzuki Access'.

"There are companies who indulge in CSR activities and I would want them to associate with us so the world will know they are doing charity. It is a huge thing. I am trying to get things work out on this front," Salman said. As part of the tie-up, Suzuki dealers will also sell Being Human apparel and merchandise.

The new association is an extension of the already existing ties with Salman and Suzuki as the actor endorses the Japanese brand. 

Salman's Being Human gets a set of wheels

Earlier, one saw Salman Khan fans flaunting their Being Human tees and watches as a mark of their love for the star and his charity foundation.

Now, expect to see the fans zooming around on Being Human-branded scooters.

After launching successful Being Human merchandise stores across Mumbai, Salman has now given his charitable foundation a new set of wheels -- the actor has tied up with Suzuki Motor Corporation to launch a Being Human branded Access scooter.

The actor launched the scooter at a Suzuki showroom on Thursday.

The scooter will cost around Rs.58,975 in Mumbai.

All Suzuki dealerships will act as outlets for Being Human apparel and merchandise.

The tie-up will step-up in three phases, starting with Being Human branded apparel and progressing to biking accessories. The revenues earned from this sale will be used for causes such as education of the underprivileged, cataract operations, heart surgeries and bone marrow donation camps.

Salman launched the Being Human merchandise in 2009 with watches and apparel and has gained popularity thanks to the star's association with it.

Currently, Being Human has outlets in Mumbai, Ludhiana and Ahmedabad but the collaboration with Suzuki will take the charitable foundation and its branded merchandise across the country wherever Suzuki has its dealerships.

"I am really happy that Suzuki has launched a co-branded Being Human scooter. Suzuki's nationwide network will help the Foundation increase its reach in its mission to provide education and healthcare for the underprivileged," said Salman at the launch.