I am a better singer than Shah Rukh Khan: Salman Khan

Mumbai, Sep 8: They may have kissed and made up in the recent past but old rivalries rarely die, or so you'd say. Speaking at a promotional event for his co-production Hero, Salman Khan said that he is a better singer in comparison to his arch-rival-turned-friend Shah Rukh Khan. Interestingly, Salman had said he "can't sing to save" his life, just a day ago in Delhi while promoting the same movie.

When asked about Salman's singing skills, singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, who has sung Yadaan Teriyaan, was asked this question and chose a safe reply. When asked who has better music sensibility -- Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan as he has collaborated with both of them, Rahat said, "I have heard only Salman Khan's song. I am yet to hear Shah Rukh Khan's song. Salman bhai can sing himself."

Salman, 49, interrupted the singer to say, "No chance... it's a losing battle. Don't listen. He (Shah Rukh Khan) will raise my hand (in victory)." The actor-producer said they wanted an established singer for the movie and chose Amaal Malik. "I felt, why not take Amaal... He has the tune, he has composed the song (title song) well and he also sings well. If Himesh Reshamiya and Sajid Wajid can sing. His uncle (Anu Malik) also sings then why not him? He should get a chance," said Salman.

Discussing on screen intimacy, Salman said kissing scenes are not necessary in a film. There were reports that the 49-year-old actor edited the 30 minutes including kissing scene from the Bollywood debut of Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty. "There is no kissing scene in the film. We wanted to put one but they (filmmakers) refused. I have not done kissing scene (generally)... how can I ask them (Sooraj and Athiya) to do it. I don't think they also wanted to do a kissing scene," he said.

When asked about the tagline of the movie - Rebel, love and freedom, Salman said, "My contribution to Hero. I have contribution towards love, freedom and some what for rebel." He added that film has to be good for it to be successful, it (film) doesn't need established face to promote newcomers.

"Sooraj Barjatya (director of Maine Pyaar Kiya) at that time was not an established face but he produced Salman Khan in the industry. It is about how good the film and its music is.. The audience responsew makes film successful and make stars," he added.