Salman Khan is one of Bollywood’s biggest and most enduring stars. Known for his massive box-office pull, philanthropic work, and headline-making controversies, Salman has built a career that spans over three decades.
Here’s a detailed look at his top movies, personal relationships, controversies, and everything else about the Bollywood icon.
Salman Khan’s Top Movies That Defined His Career
Salman Khan’s film career started with a supporting role in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), but his breakthrough came with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), a blockbuster romantic drama that turned him into an overnight sensation.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Salman delivered multiple hits:
- Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994): One of Bollywood’s biggest family dramas, cementing Salman as a household name.
- Karan Arjun (1995): A reincarnation action drama alongside Shah Rukh Khan, still fondly remembered.
- Judwaa (1997): A comedy where Salman played dual roles, a cult favorite.
- Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998): Showcasing his charm and comic timing.
- Tere Naam (2003): A tragic love story that redefined his image and performance depth.
- Wanted (2009): His comeback film that reintroduced him as an action superstar.
- Dabangg (2010): His portrayal of Chulbul Pandey became a pop-culture phenomenon and started a successful franchise.
- Ek Tha Tiger (2012) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017): Spy thrillers that were major commercial successes.
- Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015): A heartwarming story that showcased Salman’s softer side and won critical acclaim.
- Sultan (2016): A sports drama where he played a wrestler, earning both box office records and awards.
Even though some of his recent films like Radhe (2021) and Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023) received mixed responses, Salman’s fan base remains fiercely loyal.
Major Controversies Involving Salman Khan
Salman Khan’s career has been marked by several high-profile controversies that often kept him in the news as much as his movies did.
- 1998 Blackbuck Poaching Case: During the shoot of Hum Saath-Saath Hain in Rajasthan, Salman was accused of hunting endangered blackbucks. After years of legal battles, he was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to five years in prison but was later granted bail.
- 2002 Hit-and-Run Case: Salman was involved in a car accident where his vehicle ran over several people sleeping on a Mumbai pavement, leading to one death. He was convicted in 2015 but was later acquitted by the Bombay High Court.
- Fight with Shah Rukh Khan: In 2008, a public fallout between Salman and Shah Rukh at Katrina Kaif’s birthday party made headlines for years. The two later reconciled.
- Remarks on Sensitive Issues: Salman has occasionally been criticized for making controversial statements, such as his 2016 comment comparing his wrestling training to feeling like a “raped woman,” for which he later apologized.
Despite these controversies, Salman’s popularity has remained largely unaffected, with fans often rallying behind him.
Salman Khan’s Relationships: A Timeline of His Famous Love Affairs
Salman Khan’s love life has been a subject of endless media attention. Despite never marrying, he has been linked with several high-profile actresses:
- Sangeeta Bijlani: Salman dated the former Miss India in the late 1980s. They reportedly came close to marriage, but the relationship ended.
- Somy Ali: A relationship in the 1990s that eventually ended on a sour note.
- Aishwarya Rai: One of his most publicized relationships, Salman and Aishwarya dated during the late 1990s. Their relationship ended in a highly publicized and controversial breakup in 2002, with allegations of harassment against Salman.
- Katrina Kaif: Although they never officially confirmed their relationship, Salman and Katrina’s chemistry both on and off-screen sparked rumors. They remained close friends even after parting ways.
- Iulia Vantur: In recent years, Romanian actress and television presenter Iulia Vantur has often been spotted with Salman, leading to rumors of a serious relationship, though neither has publicly confirmed it.
Despite multiple speculations about marriage over the years, Salman Khan has maintained that he would marry only when he feels ready.
Salman Khan’s Family and Philanthropy: A Pillar Behind the Superstar
Salman comes from the influential Khan family. His father, Salim Khan, is a legendary screenwriter who co-wrote classics like Sholay and Deewaar. His brothers, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, are also involved in the film industry.
In 2007, Salman founded the Being Human Foundation, which focuses on healthcare, education, and employment initiatives for the underprivileged. The brand also has a popular clothing line, with proceeds supporting charitable causes. His strong family ties and commitment to philanthropy often show a softer side to the superstar known for his rugged image.
Salman Khan’s Current Status and Upcoming Projects
Even in his late 50s, Salman remains one of the most bankable stars in Bollywood. He returned to the big screen with Tiger 3 (2023), co-starring Katrina Kaif, which performed well commercially. He has also made cameo appearances in other movies, maintaining his iconic presence.
Salman’s future projects include:
- The Bull, produced by Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions, where he is expected to play a paramilitary officer.
- New installments in the Tiger and Dabangg franchises are also rumored.
- Salman continues to host Bigg Boss, one of India’s most-watched reality TV shows, further solidifying his connection with audiences.
