New Delhi: Bollywood A-listers including Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, Hrithik Roshan, Shilpa Shetty and many actors own teams in different sporting leagues including IPL. In fact, it has become a trend in Bollywood to buy one or the other sporting team.
But, superstar Salman Khan, who is the hot favourite of masses, has always maintained distance from indulging in such business.
Though interestingly, a few months back, there were some talks regarding him buying a football team but nothing turned out to be true.
So, when Salman Khan, who was recently appointed as Goodwill Ambassador for Rio Olympics, was quizzed if he has plans to buy any sports franchise in an interview by a leading daily.
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The ‘Sultan’ actor gave the most sensible answer to this question saying that he didn’t want the sports to become SRK Vs Salman match and instead work towards the overall development of the sports.
Here’s what he said:
“Yeah, that (buying a football team) never happened, simply because I don't want to be a part of any one team. If I can, I'd like to join the mother body. I don't see myself fighting with Delhi, Pune or KKR. No doubt, it's a wonderful way to promote sports, but I want to be there (pointing to the top).
So, when it becomes Salman's team versus Preity's team or Shah Rukh's team, it no longer remains a sporting thing, it gets into the area of gossip. Also, the 'responsible press' will take away focus from the match, and I don't want to give anybody that kind of mileage. I want to do something for the overall development of sports.”
No doubt, Salman here made a totally valid point.
If we talk about the Indian Premiere League (IPL), which was started to give platform to budding talent, it has become more about the celebrities, awards, enjoyment and extravaganza around it and less about cricket and talent. The ninth season of the league is in process and all we can see is glamour.
Thus, Salman’s idea of not buying teams and instead working for sports development sounds intelligent.
For now, we hope he fulfills his duties well as the goodwill ambassador of Rio Olympics.
