It's safe to say that Bollywood actor Salman Khan's debut as an artist was a bigger success than his latest hit Wanted. His painting, which went under the hammer at an exclusive charity auction in Dubai last week, fetched a whopping Dh350,000. The painting — which was a portrait of a man — was purchased by Dubai-based industrialist couple Sarah and Saif Belhasa.

"This is my first art exhibition and I am eternally grateful for this generous amount. All this money is going for a good cause. When I came in, I was petrified that nobody would turn up. But I am glad it turned out fine," said Khan in an unusually modest manner.

The charity auction, organised by Standard Chartered Private Bank, also saw the notorious star mingling with Dubai's well-heeled set. The bidding war for the charcoal grey portrait began at Dh185,000.