IPL will not affect films, says Salman

Mumbai, April 2 (IANS) As the fifth season of Indian Premier League (IPL) begins Wednesday Bollywood actor Salman Khan said Monday that filmmakers should not shy away from releasing their films during the cricket tournament as one of his hit films was released during the World Cup.

"I don't think there will be any difference if you release your film during IPL. My film 'Biwi No. 1' was released during (1999) World Cup," Salman told reporters here Monday while announcing his association with yatra.com. He has invested in yatra.com and is also the face of the travel portal.

The fifth edition of IPL will be held during April 4-May 27. With nine teams and 76 games across 12 locations, it promises to be a treat for cricket fans.

Asked which team he thought will win the IPL, Salman replied diplomatically, "The best team should win. I have lots of friends who own the teams. Who plays the best should win."

Both Salman and Shah Rukh Khan, who are at loggerheads, organised two different events in the city.

In fact, Salman's event which was supposed to start at 11.30 in the morning, was postponed to 1.30 and clashed with SRK's.

When asked about it, Salman said: "I was shooting for 'Dabangg 2' till 3.30 a.m. We packed up too late and I was sleeping. I can't just get up and come for an event. I went for my workout, had breakfast, took some rest and then I came here."