Salmaan lets loose on Sa Re Ga Ma

This Saturday, as a part of the promotional campaign for their film, Partner, the smashing and dashing Salmaan Khan and pretty Lara Dutta graced the stage of Zee's Sa Re Ga Ma Pa- Challenge 2007,. However, the former made more than a presence! With Salmaan at the helm, all the surs went for a walk. The contestants, host and even the mercurial judges simply had a ball of time. Sa Re Ga Ma… had literally turned into a laughter show. The show commenced with host Aditya and all contestants unveiling the track 'my love' from Partner. Thereafter, Salmaan made a grand entry on the show, much to the delight of one and all. He got nostalgic when he met Aditya, as he played father to the latter in the film Jab Pyar Kisi Se Hota Hai. The real fun began when Salmaan started pulling the leg of his one-time protege Himesh Reshammiya. The jovial actor left no stone unturned in passing comments on Himesh. He even suggested a contestant (Joy) to hold the mike, the Reshammiya style. When Pakistan's Mussarat sang a song from Tere Naam, Khan was so impressed that went on to quote, "you're a better singer than Udit Narayan, since you've been able to sing it in one go, unlike Uditji who took eight hours." Later, he calmed the nerves of contestants, Nirupama and Poonam by giving them a warm hug. However, one person who bore the brunt of Salman's shenanigans was Kolkata's Anik Dhar. The moment Anik stated that he'll sing'Ooh ooh jaane jana from Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, Salman asked him whether he really wants to sing this song? Poor Anik was adamant on rendering it, unaware of what's in store for him. Without uttering a word, Salmaan walked up to the stage and stripped Anik! A shirtless Anik had no option but to go ahead with the song. While this Bong contestant was singing and dancing on the stage, Salmaan too couldn't resist tapping his feat around his seat. We asked Anik whether he was embarrassed by Salmaan's act, to which he replied, "Not at all. Par yeh zaroor kehna chahoonga ki sharam to aa rahi thi, par kya kare apne bhavnao par kabu rakh ke perform to karna hi tha (I was feeling very shy, but I had to check my emotions and perform.) Our judges and celebrity guests often indulge in these pranks." Host Aditya Chopra, too saw the lighter side of things when he says, "With Salmaan around, we expect lots of capers. However, this is something I didn't expect. But the good thing is that his pranks mean no harm to anyone." It was a fun filled show and the judges too enjoyed every bit of it. Mentor Ismail Merchant enunciates, "The best part was that all contestants and we judges were served a breather. Normally, we have to call things straight. However, today, we were in a generous mood and gifted marks to all. More than anything else, Salmaan's presence lifted the spirits of the contestants." While Salmaan's presence may have boosted the morale of the contestants, we asked Ismailji what effect it had on co-judge Himesh Reshammiya. "Like all of us, Himesh too enjoyed having Salmaan on the show. In fact, the duo had patched up their minor differences before coming to the show. Throughout the show, Himesh was full of praise for his mentor." Well, it's a known fact that Ismailji and Himesh are the best of buddies on the show, so one is reluctant to believe the former's tale. The only way to end all speculations is by watching the once-upon-a-time mentor and his disciple, this Saturday on Sa Re Ga Ma- Challenge 2007.