New Delhi: Salman Khan has been one of the most loved and talked about stars of our generation. On his birthday we can’t help but remember all the blockbuster roles we have seen him play. We have copied his hook steps and repeated his dialogues because we couldn’t help it! So ‘Just Chill Chill’ on his birthday and get ‘Ready’ to watch some of the most ‘Dabang’ characters played by our very own Prem.
Today, the actor turned 57 years old.
Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
This 1989 Romance Drama directed by Sooraj Barjatya was a classic love story that got every young girl curious about this new guy on the block. Salman Khan won the hearts of many in that era as he danced to woo Suman. If you wish to relive this Salman era you can stream ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’ on Amazon Prime Video.
Hum Aapke hain Koun! (1994)
A story that has surpassed the test of time and still remains to be one of the favourites of Hindi film fans, Hum Aapke hain Koun’s Prem always gets special credits. Starring opposite the great Madhuri Dixit, Salman was as charming as always with his innocence of character adding his own quirkiness in everything he did. ‘Hum Aapke hain Koun’ is also available on Amazon Prime Video.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
A cult comedy that was way before its time, Andaz Apna Apna continues to be a favourite of many people. Containing characters that still remain popular and are revived in costume parties and Bollywood nights, Salman’s ‘Andaz Apna Apna’ is a testament to the idiosyncrasies of his own personality that his fans love so dearly!
Karan Arjun (1995)
Loved eternally for the Shahrukh-Salman star-pairing, Karan Arjun was one of the biggest dramas of all time with songs that keep playing in temples, holi parties and whatnot. If there is any Karan to SRK’s Arjun it is Salman and will always be so for us Bollywood fans. You can watch Karan Arjun on Zee5.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998)
While the world couldn’t get over Rahul and Anjali, there are some of us that always thought Aman deserved so much more. Team Aman rooted for his honest, straightforward and present nature and believed Anjali would have stayed with him. Unpopular opinion though it is, Salman as Aman added his own magnetism to the film and distracted a lot of people from Rahul (though clearly not Anjali).
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Salman and Aishwarya were all the craze then when they swung together under the moonlight. A love story so mature for its time, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was a masterpiece because Salman as Sameer made a very compelling case. Playing roles with multiple cast ensembles, Salman did what most stars then would have refrained from. And in doing that gathered a very loyal fan base!
Tere Naam (2003)
While the girls were won over after ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, ‘Tere Naam’ made Salman, Salman Bhai in the eyes of all the men in the audience. Making grown men cry in theatres, Salman won over everyone making sure his fandom extended to another generation of young men and women.
Partner (2007)
Another cult comedy that’ll be revisited again and again like Andaz Apna Apna, this Salman-Govinda partnership was loved immensely by the audiences. Being the love guru of many young men, Salman kept this version of Prem as unabashed as he himself is making his fans fall for him again.
Dabangg (2010)
Founder of the Dabangg hook step that took over every wedding in its vicinity, Dabangg was the pride of many cops that found their representation in a character that was probably most like them in his humour and personality. Chulbul Pandey’s larger-than-life character charmed everyone and become eternal in the history of the Hindi film industry.
Sultan (2016)
Playing a shy wrestler unlike his usual brazen roles, Sultan touched the hearts of many men, women and children with his honesty and innocence. Sultan was a story that’ll hold a place in people’s hearts for its sincerity in expression and emotion.
Apart from the ones mentioned above Hum Saath Saath Hain, Bodyguard, Ready and many movies that Salman has produced are some more blockbusters churned that remain fan favourites. As the Salman era continues, we hope to see more of such characters in the future as well that’ll push us to whistle and hoot in theatres!
