Salman: The Phenomenon

Salman Khan’s popularity with the film buffs is beyond anyone’s imagination. Audience just can’t have enough of this Megastar. 

Salman Khan’s popularity with the mass is an envy of any newcomer or even his contemporaries. The Megastar started his career through ‘Biwi ho to aisi’ in 1988, where he played a supporting role. Then, as a lead actor Salman stole the hearts of millions of girls across India and beyond through Sooraj Barjatya’s ‘Maine pyar kiya’ that gave him superstardom overnight.

Today, he’s 50, but he’s growing young—a very handsome face, sexy muscular body, screen presence, acting skills and above all a heart of gold—which makes him the dearest one in Bollywood. Some people call him Bhaijaan, some prefer to call him Sallu, and he’s won the hearts of everyone in the industry and beyond.

According to trade reports of his last releases, he’s been considered a phenomenon; he’s managed to break many box-office records, of late. Critics used to say that he doesn’t have powerful acting skills, but he silenced them through ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’. Now, directors and producers all agree that they couldn’t use his true potential as an actor. And, that’s why big banners are making a beeline outside his house to get him on board.

Salman’s career has also been through the ups and downs like his competitors. But, he came back with surprises; he’s always preferred to work with unknown, new directors and small-time producers. He’s been a godfather to many in the industry, which we all know well by now.

Salman entered into controversies like any big celebrities—the black buck case and the hit and run case are still bothering him. But, he never gave up, and let his personal life hamper his career graph.

He’s still the most eligible bachelor of our country, women drool over him to marry. The rumour mills are abuzz with his probable marriage with his Romanian girlfriend, Lulia Vantur; the whole country wants to see the star getting married. Moreover, it’s the blessings of his numerous fans that he’s constantly trending in Google search among the top celebrities of India.

Salman’s social work has also helped the citizenry, where he’s done commendable work through his charity organization Being Human. Salman’s humanitarian initiatives through this helped needy people a lot, over the years. No wonder, people say that he’s a heart of gold!

Nine of the films in which Salman has acted in, have accumulated gross earnings of over 1 billion (US$15 million). He is the only actor to star in the highest-grossing Bollywood films of nine separate years. It’s natural now that his fans would expect another box-office blitzkrieg with his next release ‘Sultan’.

It’s his sheer craze that made him the darling of all. It’s not easy to be in the top of the industry, even at this age but he managed that with élan.

Salman’s tryst with the television has been also a successful one with shows like: ‘Big Boss’ and ‘10 ka dum’ that garnered huge TRP’s, entertaining the audience.

Salman would remain an inspiration for common people as he fought his legal battles and a facial nerve disorder—trigeminal neuralgia just like a common man does. These troubles never spared him because he’s a celebrity; he’s to go through immense criticism and pain.

Salman has always managed to fight with the troubling waves of his king-size life. He’s undoubtedly, one of the most successful actors of Bollywood. His films have taken him to a level—where his popularity is beyond one’s imagination. And, the audience will keep pinning hopes to relish his presence forever, because after all Salman Khan is a phenomenon.  

By Sarnavo Das