Salman 'mania' continues...

By: Smitha Nambiar
Wednesday, March 29, 2006

Some love him while others despise him. Girls are willing to lay down their life for this 'heart-throb' while he is media's 'favourite child'. Amidst the various allegations and innumerable affairs, Salman Khan stands out! How many of us know that Sallu (as he is popularly known) was voted 7th best-looking man in the world by 'People Magazine'? The actor also has a book written on him titled 'Hall of Fame: Salman Khan'. What's more, Salman is also the new Brand Ambassador for Red Tape Shoes, the brand of footwear from Mirza Tanners Limited.

Salman Khan, born on Dec 27th 1965 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh is the eldest son of writer Salim Khan (of Salim-Javed fame). His father was a very successful screenplay writer and his stepmother Helen leaves an indelible mark in Hindi films as the sensuous epitome of a cinematic diva. Perhaps for the same reason, acting is not new to the macho-hero. His family comprises of his mother Salma, brother Arbaaz and Sohail and Sister Alvira.

Salman never planned his career and that is obvious when he made an unconventional debut as Farouque Shaikh's younger brother in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988). Salman went unnoticed. It was the movie Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989) opposite debutant Bagyashree that did the trick. This super-hit movie directed by Sooraj Barjatya changed the destiny of this handsome hunk. This movie broke all previous records of popularity and Salman Khan became the hottest selling star overnight.

Soon after Maine Pyaar Kiya, Salman was seen in Pathar Ke Phool (1991), Sanam Bewafa (1991), Jagruti (1992) and Dil Tera Ashique (1993). The string of flops did in no way hinder his fan following or stop filmmakers from approaching him with meaty roles. The film Baaghi (1990), and Saajan (1991) did well to his career. He was back again with a bang. Salman even tried his hands on comedy with Biwi No.1 (1999), Dulhan Hum Le Jaayenge (2000), and Chal Mere Bhai (2000), all of which were pretty successful films. Interestingly, the dashing actor has no qualms about underplaying his role. That can be noticed in Andaaz Apna Apna (1994) and Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) opposite Priyanka Chopra, which was a sensation.

Whether it was playing the role of a flamboyant lover boy in Sooraj Barjatya's hit titled Hum Aapke Hai Kaun (1994), Manisha Koirala's boyfriend in Khamoshi or the love-struck boy in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) who had to forego his 'love' for the sake of the elders in the family, Salman hit a 'chord' in the hearts of every movie-goer. This was the time when his affair with Bollywood queen, Aishwarya Rai was at its peak. In fact, the chemistry between the two was obvious in the film too.

The much-publicised affair with Aishwarya lasted two years. Salman, known to be a very possessive person was accused of beating up his girl friend. Hell broke loose when Ash made a public statement that she has decided to 'break-free' from the relationship not only because he hit her, but also because he cheated on her. The Khan was accused in a press conference in 2003 by Vivek Oberoi to have called him on his mobile 41 times during one night and threatened him with death as well!

Salman's private life has always been a great source of 'entertainment' for the media who worked double time to fish out titbits from his personal life. Sallu was earlier arrested and jailed for poaching endangered wild animals after allegedly shooting a rare black antelope near Jodhpur on October 12, 1998. As though this were not enough, the actor was also accused of "culpable homicide not amounting to murder", following the death of a man in a car accident in Bombay. Well, this is just one side of this groovy actor. There are end-number of people who also vouch for his generosity. After playing an AIDS victim in the Revathy directed film Phir Milenge (2004), and not charging a penny, the actor even helped the unit raise Rs 1.5 crore for donation to an NGO that helps HIV-affected patients!

It must be noted here that though Sallu has acted in innumerable films, the actor has bagged only one award till date - Filmfare's best supporting actor award for Kuch Kuch Hota Hain (1998). Isn't that surprising? His forthcoming films include Shaadi Karke Phas Gaya Yaar and Marigold among others.

What sets Salman 'apart' from the other great actors in Bollywood? Through his somewhat tarnished reputation, Salman has emerged a winner. It doesn't look like there would ever be any 'stop' to his never-ending fan following or the media's obsession with the handsome dude.