Hey Lykkers! Salman Khan, often referred to as "Bhaijaan" by his legions of fans, is one of Bollywood's most enduring and beloved stars. With a career that spans over three decades, he has maintained an iconic status in the Indian film industry.
From his early romantic roles to his hard-hitting action films, Salman Khan's journey in Bollywood is marked by commercial success, charitable endeavors, and an unbreakable connection with his fans.
Early Career and Stardom
Salman Khan was born on December 27, 1965, to screenwriter Salim Khan and Sushila Charak (later Salma Khan) in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Coming from a family deeply involved in the film industry, Salman was destined for stardom.
He made his debut in 1988 with a supporting role in Biwi Ho To Aisi, but it was his lead role in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) that skyrocketed him to fame. The film, directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya, became a massive hit and established Salman as the quintessential romantic hero of the 90s.
The 90s: The Rise of a Superstar
Throughout the 1990s, Salman Khan delivered several box office hits, cementing his position as one of Bollywood's top actors. Films like Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! (1994), Karan Arjun (1995), and Judwaa (1997) showcased his versatility, whether it was playing a romantic lead or engaging in action-packed sequences. His chemistry with leading ladies like Madhuri Dixit, Kajol, and Karisma Kapoor was adored by audiences.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! remains one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time and solidified Salman's status as a family-friendly star known for his on-screen innocence and charm.
Transition to Action Hero: The 2000s
The 2000s saw a shift in Salman Khan's career as he began experimenting with action-packed roles. He starred in films like Tere Naam (2003), where he played a troubled lover, showcasing a more intense side of his acting abilities. The film was a huge success and earned Salman critical acclaim for his raw performance.
Uncut: Salman Khan Exclusive Interview
Video By BBC Asian Network
Salman Khan's Golden Era: The Dabangg Series and Beyond
In 2010, Salman Khan starred as Chulbul Pandey in Dabangg, a film that became a phenomenon in Indian cinema. Salman's portrayal of the quirky, fearless cop with a heart of gold resonated with audiences and created a lasting legacy. Dabangg turned into a successful franchise, with Dabangg 2 (2012) and Dabangg 3 (2019) continuing the trend of high-octane entertainment.
This period also saw Salman delivering back-to-back blockbusters such as Bodyguard (2011), Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Kick (2014), and Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015). Bajrangi Bhaijaan, in particular, showcased a softer side of Salman, where he played a simple man helping a mute Pakistani girl reunite with her family. The film was praised for its emotional depth and strong message of cross-border unity and peace, becoming one of the highest-grossing Bollywood films of all time.
Salman Khan's Philanthropy: Being Human
Outside of films, Salman Khan is also known for his charitable initiatives. In 2007, he founded the Being Human Foundation, a charitable organization that focuses on education and healthcare for underprivileged children in India. The brand Being Human also ventured into fashion, with profits from the clothing line going towards charity.
Salman's philanthropic efforts have earned him immense respect in and outside the industry. His commitment to giving back to society has only added to his larger-than-life persona.
Salman Khan in 2024: The Everlasting Star
As of 2024, Salman Khan continues to be one of the busiest actors in Bollywood. His upcoming films include Tiger 3, the latest installment in the Tiger series, which is highly anticipated by fans and promises to deliver more thrilling action and drama. He's also rumored to be working on a fourth installment of the Dabangg series, keeping fans excited for more Chulbul Pandey antics.
In addition to his action-packed films, Salman Khan has ventured into hosting television shows, with Bigg Boss being the most notable.
Salman Khan's journey in Bollywood is nothing short of extraordinary. From his early romantic hero roles to becoming one of the most sought-after action stars, Salman has continuously reinvented himself while staying true to his roots. His films are celebrated for their mass appeal, and his dedication to entertaining his fans has remained unwavering.