Salman Khan: the reason behind Kiara Advani's debut in Bollywood

"When I decided to become an actor, my father told Salman sir, 'If you are in the industry then I don’t mind my daughter being part of it. Let her try and see where it takes her'," Kiara says.

For newcomers looking to enter Bollywood, having a connection with Salman Khan — no matter how distant or obscure — seems to work as a major advantage. The latest person to be reaping the benefits of this Salman-connection is actor Kiara Advani.

Recently, a report claimed that Salman helped Kiara get her big break as she is his alleged model-girlfriend Shaheen Jaffrey’s niece.

However, when contacted, the young debutante reveals that her aunt (mother’s sister) has nothing to do with her launch. "I know Salman sir through my mother and father. They helped me get in touch with him, as they have all grown up together," says Kiara.

"When I decided to become an actor, my father told Salman sir, 'If you are in the industry then I don’t mind my daughter being part of it. Let her try and see where it takes her'," she says, adding that even Salman was very encouraging and told her that when she was "prepared, it (debut) will happen".

Meanwhile, the actor is looking forward to screening

Fugly

, which is directed by Kabir Sadanand, for Anupam Kher at his acting institute. "I have attended his school, so in a couple of days, I want to go back to the institute and show it to him. Let’s see what he has to say," she adds.