Ahead of the release of his 2017 film Tubelight, Salman Khan, while addressing the press, had said that he doesn’t take “stardom seriously” – mind you, those are the words of a superstar – who occupies one-third of the Khan trinity of Bollywood. With a career spanning over two decades in the Hindi film industry, Salman, who turned 53 on December 27, has seen it all - from the highs and lows in the form of box-office fate to that in his personal life as well.
On of his birthday, allow us to take you through his dramatic journey – not just on set but off it as well.
Biwi Ho To Aisi marked Salman’s – son of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan - debut in Bollywood in 1988 but that film did little to escalate the actor to the path of stardom – what actually did, was Maine Pyaar Kiya, which released a year later and emerged as one of the biggest blockbusters of the 80’s. Not only did Salman garner the love of fans with his role in the Soorja Barjatya-directed film, but also picked up the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut. Thereafter, Salman became a familiar face in superhits such as Baaghi: A Rebel for Love, Saajan, Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Karan Arjun, Judwaa, Biwi No.1 as well as Hello Brother, throughout the 90’s.
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Madhuri Dixit and Salman Khan in a still from Hum Aapke Hain Koun![/caption]
However, in the midst of delivering hit films as such, Salman also appeared in movies that didn’t quite make much of a difference to his career. Consider Veergati, Kurbaan, Nishchaiy, Chand Ka Tukda – for example. Another fact about Salman’s career that should be observed, especially during his initial phase in the film industry, is the fact that he often experimented with roles – comedy, drama or romance – like he did in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Khamoshi: The Musical. The film wasn’t a commercial potboiler but was appraised by critics.
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A still from Khamoshi: The Musical ft Salman Khan and Manisha Koirala[/caption]
With the arrival of the millennium, Salman, yet again, witnessed remarkable acclaim with appearances in successful films such as Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge, Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Tere Naam and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. But superhits such as the aforementioned were followed by failures in the form of Phir Milenge and Lucky: No Time for Love - followed by the blockbuster No Entry – followed by flops such as Kyon Ki and Jaan-E-Mann and then again, Partner, which fared well at the box office. The pattern of success and failure, thus, has been a constant affair in Salman’s career and it continued until the release of his 2008 debacle Yuvvraaj.
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Salman Khan in a still from Yuvvraaj[/caption]
After the box office monotony though, it was 2009’s Wanted that sort of resurrected Salman’s career while 2010’s Dabangg put him on another level of superstardom. Salman, thus, didn’t get a chance to look back hence as he appeared in blockbusters such as Ready, Bodyguard, Ek Tha Tiger, Dabangg 2, Kick, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo and Sultan till 2016. But the pattern, however, didn’t change considering the fact that his 2017 film Tubelight ended up as a box-office turkey.
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Salman Khan in a still from Prem Ratan Dhan Payo[/caption]
The failure of Tubelight, however, was balanced with Tiger Zinda Hai but for his much-awaited Eid release in 2018 Race 3, Salman was censured by the audience, who didn’t quite appreciate the Remo D’souza film. But his flops, though, haven’t cause depletion in the number of his admirers as Salman, fondly addressed as ‘Bhai’, has a humongous fan base.
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Salman Khan in a still from Tiger Zinda Hai[/caption]
Offscreen as well, Salman has endured the wrath of fate and uncertainty, especially during his tryst with the law. The actor has mired himself in several controversies – especially with his involvement in a hit-and-run case – though he was acquitted of all charges in 2015. In April, however, Salman was convicted in the 1998 black buck poaching case - Salman was accused of shooting and killing blackbucks in Kankani village near Jodhpur on October 1, 1998, while filming Hum Saath Saath Hain. He spent two nights in the Jodhpur Central Jail before he was granted bail by the sessions court on April 7.
Let’s move on to Salman’s personal life – no introduction is required in this aspect of the actor’s life as he might be single at 52 but has had his fair share of rumours of alleged relationships so far. When will Salman Khan get married? is a frequently asked question, that the actor, until now, has successfully managed to dodge at press meets and otherwise.
Salman has been romantically associated with his Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam co-star Aishwarya Rai, Sangeeta Bijlani and Pakistani actress Somy Ali. If reports are anything to go by, Salman apparently dated Katrina Kaif as well – his co-star of films Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai. In fact, Salman was also linked to Romanian model Iulia Vantur for a pretty long period of time.
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Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai in a still from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.[/caption]
Workwise, Salman will appear next in his 2019 Eid release Bharat and subsequently in Dabangg 3. He is currently hosting TV's most popular reality show, Bigg Boss 12, his ninth season in running.
We wish the BHAIJAAN of industry, a very happy brirthday and a successful year at films.
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