Actor Khan goes from public property to Indian property

Dressed in a formal black suit, the actor, who is the brand ambassador for the Indian Property Show, arrived on time to open the show and urge expatriates to invest in real estate back home.

Bollywood actor Arbaz Khan inaugurated the Indian Property Show in Dubai. Sarah Dea / The National

DUBAI // Bollywood actor Arbaaz Khan was in Dubai on Thursday to inaugurate a three-day property show – and meet his fans.

Dressed in a formal black suit, the actor, who is the brand ambassador for the Indian Property Show, arrived on time – unusual for Indian film stars – to open the show and urge expatriates to invest in real estate back home.

Comparing investing in the property market to putting money in films, the actor-turned-producer and brother of Bollywood heartthrob Salman Khan said: “Both tend to be speculative. But, I don’t know anyone who has ever lost money over a period of time in the property market, or who has held it for three or five years. Property invariably makes your money back. Films are a risky business.

“In 100 films released every year, only 15 to 20 per cent of them do well. That is why we get a big high when our films do well, and the fact that one fine day you will get it right is what keeps you going.”

Khan, who has also donned a director's hat, made his debut as an actor in 1996 in the film Daraar. His father, Salim Khan, is a well-known screenwriter and Arbaaz's wife, Malaika Arora Khan, was a television presenter before becoming an actress.

The actor said a third instalment to the runaway hit film Dabangg was in the "pipeline".

“It’s definitely something that Salman and me are going to think about it. But we can’t put a time-frame to it. It could happen next year or the year after.”

Speaking about his upcoming production, Dolly ki Doli, Khan said the film would hit cinemas next year.

"Dolly ki Doli is my third production. It is a quirky drama, comedy. It's got a young cast. It's a vibrant, peppy film. I'm halfway done with the film and I'm probably looking at an early next year release."

Officials from the property show encouraged expatriates to visit the 150 developers who were showcasing properties worth 16 billion rupees before choosing a project.

“India is a great market and offers an excellent opportunity to invest,” said Sunil Jaiswal, chief executive of Sumansa Exhibitions, which is organising the property show. There is something for everybody here. We also have a number of seminars to help Non-Resident Indians [NRIs] get educated. Education helps reduce risks.”

According to Mr Jaiswal, overseas Indians invested more than US$2 billion in property in their home country last year, which was 35 per cent more than in 2012.

“The real-estate sector has always been at the top of the investment opportunity watch-list of NRIs. A place in the homeland also gives a sentimental support and sense of security, another reason for their investment in real estate,” he said.

The Indian Property Show will run until Saturday at the Dubai World Trade Centre.