Karan Johar Reveals Why Salman Khan Didn’t Become an Action Hero in the 1990s

Mumbai: Bollywood filmmaker **Karan Johar** has revealed why superstar **Salman Khan** did not emerge as a major **action hero** during the 1990s, despite having the potential a decade earlier.

In a recent interview, Johar said that although Salman Khan dominated the 1990s with **romantic films**, he actually possessed the qualities of a **powerful action star** long before his 2010 blockbuster *Dabangg*.

Karan Johar explained that glimpses of Salman’s action-hero persona were visible as early as **2004**, particularly in his film *Garv*, where he played a courageous police officer. “*Garv* may not have been a huge commercial success, but it had a strong opening and showcased Salman’s incredible action potential,” Johar noted.

He added, “Salman could have become a big action hero 10 years before *Dabangg*. After that film, he finally recognized his own strength in the action genre. He was always an action hero at heart but spent much of the 1990s doing romantic films that connected with audiences.”

Karan Johar also emphasized the importance of **evolving with time**, saying, “One must constantly update their thinking and taste to stay aligned with current trends and audience preferences.”

Reports highlight that Salman Khan and Karan Johar share a **complex relationship** in the Indian film industry. Despite occasional differences, the two have collaborated on successful projects such as *Kuch Kuch Hota Hai* and *Student of the Year*.

Salman’s 2004 **action drama *Garv***, directed by **Lawrence D’Souza**, centered around an honest police officer, ACP Arjun Ranawat, who takes on corruption and crime — a role that, according to Johar, hinted early on at Salman’s true calling as an action superstar.