Three tips for Salman Khan to choose the perfect yacht for 50th birthday

The grapevine has it that as actor Salman Khan turns 50 at the end of December, he will buy himself a yacht. It is expected to be bigger, grander and Salman-ier than the previous one.

Last week, a media report quoted anonymous sources confirming that the actor is looking to sell his current toy, one his brother Sohail bought in 2009 and is parked at the Alibaug dock.

ETPanache talks to industry experts about a machine that will suit Salman's personality and his flush bank account.

The entertainer

A look back at the wedding of Salman's sister Arpita confirms that Salman is not only a family man, but also a good host. And Anju Dutta, managing director, Marine Solutions, believes that a Pershing Yacht, which is a sports yacht, is a perfect fit for the actor. "It is for entertaining guests and should be well equipped with all modes of entertainment, with ample space," says Dutta. "It could be a white board open yacht with a retractable sunroof and some history to it." Dutta's recommendation is the latest Riva Virtus.

Fan of water sports

Fitness is an integral part of Salman's life. He is also a fan of water sports. West Coast Marine's Ashwin Mongia believes Khan will equip his 100 feetplus yacht well in that area. "He will, most probably, have water toys on the yacht. They could be powerful jet skis, jetlevs, hoverboards or jet surfs," says Mongia. "Salman also might need a helipad on the yacht for travel to and from his Bandra residence."

A man of his mood

Salman and mood swings go hand in hand. And so Shakeel Kudrolli, a corporate lawyer and founder of Aquasail, says his yacht will reflect it. "It could be a sailing yacht or a motor yacht. It could be a mega yacht or a super yacht, but it will have all elements of luxury and have several bedrooms," says Kudrolli.

Price of famous yachts in terms of Salman's earnings

1. Octopus
The Rs 1,337 crore super-yacht is owned by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen and is equipped with a pool, two helicopters, a movie theatre, basketball court, recording studio and much more. Its worth is almost equal to Salman's income over six years.

2. Indian Empress
Bought by Vijay Mallya in 2006 for Rs 694 crore approx.. this 311-feet super-yacht has space for two luxury cars, multiple luxury bedrooms and a jacuzzi.

Its worth is almost equal to Salman's income over two-and-a-half years .

3. Rosehearty
Formerly Rupert Murdoch's Rs 198 crore, 184-feet yacht, it has all sorts of water toys, jacuzzi, wireless internet and plasma televisions in all cabins. Its worth is almost equal to Salman's income over one year.

4. Topaz
Owned by UAE's Deputy Prime Minister Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Rs 2,922 crore yacht has eight floors. On board are swimming pools and also, reportedly, a helipad. Translates into ten years earnings for Salman.

5. Tian
Reportedly close to Rs 400 crore, this 34-metre long yacht was gifted by Anil Ambani to his wife Tina. Its worth is almost equal to Salman's income over two years.