Salman Khan has recalled a period in his career when he was initially reluctant to host Dus Ka Dum because of the negative perception surrounding him. The actor discussed the experience while interacting with contestants on Bigg Boss 20 during Weekend Ka Vaar. He was explaining why contestants should not suppress their personalities inside the reality show out of fear of how he might respond to their actions during the weekend episodes.

Salman said several contestants had been playing cautiously instead of openly expressing themselves or getting involved in conflicts. The discussion prompted him to reflect on a difficult phase in his own career, when negative conversations about him had become so prominent that they overshadowed his earlier work. He referred to films including Maine Pyaar Kiya, Tere Naam, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! and Karan Arjun while describing how public perception of him had changed.

It was during this period that Salman was offered the opportunity to host Dus Ka Dum. The actor recalled that he was unsure about taking on the television show at the time, despite eventually becoming closely associated with its hosting format. Rather than immediately accepting the offer, he sought advice from his father, screenwriter Salim Khan, before making a decision.

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Salman's hesitation came at a point when his public image had become a significant part of the conversation around his career. The actor's comments suggest that he was conscious of how his appearance on a television programme might be received by audiences. His eventual decision to take up Dus Ka Dum marked an important television phase in his career and helped establish his presence as a popular reality-show host.

Dus Ka Dum premiered on Sony Entertainment Television in 2008, with Salman serving as its host. The show featured contestants answering questions based on public opinion and became one of the prominent television programmes associated with the actor. His hosting style on the programme also contributed to a different aspect of his public persona beyond his work in films.

While speaking to the Bigg Boss 20 contestants, Salman used his own experience to encourage them not to let fear of public judgment prevent them from being themselves. His recollection of Dus Ka Dum highlighted how his own uncertainty during a difficult period eventually led to a successful television association. The actor's comments also reflected on the changes in his public image and career over the years.

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