As the megastar of Bollywood, Salman Khan turns 58 years old on 27 December 2023, we take a moment to look back at his most iconic film characters. Salman is known to pour in his blood and sweat every role that he takes up.
Right from his stellar performance as romantic Prem in ‘Hum Aapke Hain Kon’ to hilarious Prem in ‘Amar Prem; affable Sameer in ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’ to rowdy Radhe Mohan in ‘Tere Naam’; Salman Khan has nailed every single role.
Even though the star doesn’t take up as many movies, his kitty is filled with memorable characters like Chulbul Pandey in ‘Dabangg’, reporter Lovely Singh in ‘Bodyguard’ and Indian spy Tiger in ‘Tiger Franchise’.
At the age of 58, Salman’s screen presence has his fans hooked to the cinema screens like crazy. Given his glorious cinematic career, here is a look at his most iconic film characters in the past 30+ years.
1- Bajrangi Bhaijaan
Kabir Khan’s emotional drama ‘Bajrangi’ went on to become one of the most successful films of all time. The star played the role of the naive Pawan Chaturvedi who had the only goal – Take little back to her parents. Bhai’s fans rejoiced as they saw their favorite star in such a sensitive role after a long time.
2- Sultan
Salman Khan plays the big wrestler in Sultan leaving all his fans green with envy. Besides his extremely muscular frame, it was his true-blue romantic side that pleased the viewers the most. Salman Khan made his fans sit up and take notice when the star put his foot in the ring for the first time.
3- Dabangg
Salman Khan played the corrupt yet lovable cop in town in his 2010 release ‘Dabangg’. Chulbul Pandey became an overnight sensation as Salman nailed the character with his quirky dance moves and funny dialogues. While people loved the action-drama film, it was Chulbul Pandey’s notorious self that pulled audiences to the theaters.
4- Tere Naam
Radhe Mohan from ‘Tere Naam’ has to be Salman Khan’s most genuine and out-of-his-original character role. No one had expected Salman Khan to deliver such a sensitive role with such ease. In fact, up until Tere Naam, Salman was always viewed as the glam hot hunk with big biceps in Bollywood. Salman’s tortured ‘Radhe Mohan’ self who ended up in an asylum gained mass sympathy and love.
5- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam
When director Sanjay Leela Bhansali brought ace actor Salman Khan to romance universal beauty Aishwarya Rai; fireworks were bound to happen. Salman’s well-written character ‘Sameer’ from ‘Hum Dil Chuke Sanam’ stole not only Aishwarya’s but a million other ladies’ hearts. Sameer, the powerhouse of emotions became one of Salman’s most memorable characters today.
6- Andaz Apna Apna
The film ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ was an era in itself. The film made over some twenty years ago still finds its fans amongst the newer generations. Aamir Khan and Salman Khan’s crackling chemistry and Crime Master Gogo’s comic timings made it one for the books. Talking about Salman’s character from the film, Prem certainly has a special place in our hearts. The comic character has set the bar extremely for even Salman to triumph.
7- Maine Pyaar Kiya
Salman’s debut film performance proved that he was a long-race horse. With his excellent acting prowess and attractive screen presence, the boy finally made it large in the Bollywood industry. Even though we don’t get to see Salman in his ‘Prem’ from ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ avatar anymore now; it’s the sweet memories of a lovable Prem that still make us fall in love with the young Sallu Bhai.
Here’s wishing we get to see more of Salman Khan’s magic on-screen. Happy 58th Birthday Salman Khan!