Salman Khan, born Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan on 27 December 1965, is one of the biggest superstars in Indian cinema. Known for his larger-than-life personality, unmatched box-office appeal, and philanthropic work, Salman has remained a household name for more than three decades. Often called Bhai (brother) by his fans, he commands one of the largest fan followings in the world.
Early Life and Family
Salman Khan was born in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, to renowned screenwriter Salim Khan and Sushila Charak (later known as Salma Khan). He is the eldest of five siblings – Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, and Arpita Khan Sharma.
Growing up in Mumbai, Salman attended Scindia School, Gwalior, and later St. Stanislaus High School, Bandra. He briefly enrolled in St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, but left to pursue acting.
Belonging to a family of writers and filmmakers, Salman was exposed to cinema early in life. His father Salim Khan was part of the legendary scriptwriting duo Salim–Javed, who wrote classics like Sholay and Zanjeer.
Entry into Bollywood
Salman Khan made his acting debut with a supporting role in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988). His breakthrough came the following year with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), directed by Sooraj Barjatya. Playing the role of Prem, Salman won millions of hearts with his boyish charm and innocent performance. The film became one of the highest-grossing Indian films at the time and earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut.
Rise to Stardom in the 1990s
The 1990s established Salman Khan as a leading star with a string of blockbuster films:
- Baaghi (1990) – Romantic action drama.
- Sanam Bewafa (1991) – Strengthened his romantic hero image.
- Patthar Ke Phool (1991) – Earned him the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut (shared).
- Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994) – A landmark in Indian cinema; this family drama became a cultural phenomenon and broke box-office records.
- Karan Arjun (1995) – His pairing with Shah Rukh Khan was a massive hit.
- Jeet (1996), Judwaa (1997), Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998) – Solidified his position as a mass entertainer.
- Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) – A family drama that reinforced his image as Prem, the ideal family boy.
By the end of the decade, Salman had become one of Bollywood’s top three stars, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan.
Struggles and Controversies (2000s)
The 2000s brought both highs and lows. While films like Tere Naam (2003), where he played a tragic lover, showcased his emotional depth, many of his films struggled commercially.
During this period, Salman was often in the news for his controversies:
- The 2002 hit-and-run case.
- The 2006 blackbuck hunting case.
- Highly publicized relationships, especially with actress Aishwarya Rai.
Despite setbacks, Salman retained his star power with films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), No Entry (2005), and Partner (2007).
Reinvention and Box Office Domination (2009–2019)
Salman made a massive comeback with Wanted (2009), directed by Prabhudeva. His action-packed avatar was loved by audiences and marked the beginning of his “superstardom” era.
Blockbuster hits followed one after another:
- Dabangg (2010): Introduced the iconic character Chulbul Pandey. Won the National Film Award for Best Popular Film.
- Ready (2011) & Bodyguard (2011): Commercial juggernauts.
- Ek Tha Tiger (2012): Spy thriller that turned into a franchise.
- Kick (2014): Crossed the ₹200 crore mark.
- Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015): A heartwarming story that became one of his career-best films, loved by critics and fans alike.
- Sultan (2016): Portrayed a wrestler, earning both box-office glory and critical acclaim.
- Tiger Zinda Hai (2017): Another massive blockbuster.
From 2009 to 2019, almost every Eid release from Salman Khan became a guaranteed blockbuster, giving rise to the term “Salman Khan Eid Release” as a festival for fans.
Recent Work
In the 2020s, Salman continued to experiment:
- Radhe (2021): Despite mixed reviews, was released digitally and drew huge attention.
- Antim (2021): Played a Sikh cop in a supporting but powerful role.
- Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023): Mass entertainer.
- Tiger 3 (2023): Extended his spy-universe dominance alongside Shah Rukh Khan’s cameo.
Salman Khan remains a central figure in Yash Raj Films’ Spy Universe with the Tiger series.
Producer and Television Star
Salman owns Salman Khan Films (SKF), which has produced successful films like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Notebook, and Antim.
He also became a household name through television as the host of Bigg Boss, India’s most-watched reality show. His hosting style, charisma, and straightforward nature made him the face of the show since Bigg Boss Season 4.
Philanthropy
Salman Khan is known for his generosity. In 2007, he founded the Being Human Foundation, a charitable organization focusing on education and healthcare for the underprivileged. The brand also sells clothing and accessories, with profits funding humanitarian initiatives.
Awards and Recognition
- Filmfare Awards: Best Supporting Actor (Karan Arjun), Best Actor (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam).
- National Film Awards: As producer of Chillar Party and Bajrangi Bhaijaan.
- Honored with several style, popularity, and humanitarian awards.
Personal Life
Salman Khan has always been in the limelight for his personal life. Despite relationships with actresses like Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, and Sangeeta Bijlani, he remains unmarried, a fact often discussed in media.
He is extremely close to his family, especially his parents and siblings. Known for his love of painting, fitness, and pets, Salman maintains a simple lifestyle despite his superstar status.
Legacy and Impact
Salman Khan is more than just an actor—he is a phenomenon. With his unique combination of action, romance, comedy, and charisma, he has shaped Bollywood’s commercial cinema for decades. His fan base, popularly known as Salman’s Army, spans across generations and countries.
He has delivered some of the highest-grossing films in Bollywood history, and his unmatched stardom ensures that every release is celebrated like a festival. Despite controversies, his image as a “man with a golden heart” endears him to millions.
Conclusion
Salman Khan stands as one of Bollywood’s biggest superstars, admired for his larger-than-life screen presence, blockbuster films, and humanitarian efforts. Beyond acting, his Being Human foundation reflects his commitment to social causes, making him both a beloved entertainer and a philanthropist.
