Salman Khan launched yesteryear actress Asha Parekh's autobiography The Hit Girl at a star-studded launch event attended by Dharmendra and Jeetendra, among others. The book is co-written by film critic and author Khalid Mohammed.
Khan, who appeared a little nervous when asked to speak about Parekh, lit up the evening with his presence and candid words. The Sultan actor was jittery, saying that he didn't deserve to be on the same platform.
"Thank you Asha aunty. I don't think I deserve to be here. I'm sweating profusely. It's the bravest thing to write your own autobiography. I will never be able to do that. Dharmendra ji will understand that," said Khan before breaking into a nervous laughter.
What Khan said next is likely to ruffle a few feathers among the top leading ladies of today.
"We (Khan brothers) have known Asha aunty since we were kids. She has been very close to us. The girls (actresses) today should understand how Asha aunty, Saira Banu ji, Shammi aunty, Sadhana ji, everyone has been very close. This (camaraderie) is something that we don’t see any more. We’ve become friends,” said the actor, perhaps referring to Shah Rukh Khan.
Khan further added, "Nanda aunty is no longer with us, but Waheeda aunty and she were the thickest of friends. This (togetherness) is the best quality that their generation had. Also, their generation has lived the cleanest live possible, both professionally and personally. So it will be a book of values and principles. It will have its highs, it will have its lows, it will have its fun moments, It will have the whole career graph. It is something that will elevate you as a person."
We wonder how contemporary heroines will take Khan’s generalised comments.