Salman Khan Biography: The Journey of Bollywood’s Sultan
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan |
| Popular Name | Salman Khan |
| Date of Birth | December 27, 1965 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 59 years |
| Place of Birth | Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 75 kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (naturally) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | He identifies with both Hindu and Muslim faiths |
| Father | Salim Khan (renowned screenwriter) |
| Mother | Sushila Charak (Salma Khan) |
| Stepmother | Helen (famous Bollywood actress and dancer) |
| Brothers | Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan (both actors/producers) |
| Sisters | Alvira Khan Agnihotri and Arpita Khan Sharma |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Wife | None |
| Children | None |
| Profession | Actor, Producer, Television Host, Philanthropist |
| Debut Film (Actor) | Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988) – supporting role |
| Breakthrough Film | Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) – lead role |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Residence | Galaxy Apartments, Bandra, Mumbai |
| Education | Attended St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai (dropped out) |
| Production House | Salman Khan Films (SKF) |
| Charity Foundation | Being Human Foundation |
| Hobbies | Swimming, cycling, painting, writing, working out |
| Known For | Action-packed roles, iconic style, philanthropic work, hosting Bigg Boss |
| Favorite Food | Biryani, Mutton Kebab, Chinese Cuisine, Modak |
Early Life and Family Background
Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan, popularly known as Salman Khan, was born on December 27, 1965, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. He is the eldest son of Salim Khan, a renowned screenwriter in the Hindi film industry, and his first wife, Sushila Charak, who later adopted the name Salma Khan. Salman comes from a diverse ethnic background: his father is a Muslim of Afghan descent, while his mother is a Maharashtrian Hindu.
Salman has two brothers, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, both actors and film producers. He also has two sisters, Alvira Khan Agnihotri, married to producer-director Atul Agnihotri, and an adopted sister, Arpita Khan Sharma.
Salman Khan completed his schooling at Scindia School in Gwalior and later moved to St. Stanislaus High School in Bandra, Mumbai. He also studied at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, but dropped out to pursue a career in acting.
Entry into Bollywood
Salman Khan made his acting debut in 1988 with a supporting role in the film Biwi Ho To Aisi, but his breakthrough came in 1989 with the blockbuster romantic drama Maine Pyar Kiya, directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya. The film was one of the highest-grossing Indian films at the time and established Salman as a romantic hero. His charm, screen presence, and boy-next-door persona resonated with audiences across the country.
Rise to Stardom (1990s)
The 1990s marked the golden period for Salman Khan, as he starred in a series of commercial successes:
- Baaghi: A Rebel for Love (1990)
- Sanam Bewafa (1991)
- Patthar Ke Phool (1991)
- Saajan (1991) – A romantic musical that showcased Salman’s versatility as an actor.
- Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994) – A monumental hit and one of Indian cinema’s biggest blockbusters. It redefined the Indian family drama genre.
- Karan Arjun (1995) – Co-starring Shah Rukh Khan, the film became a cult classic.
- Jeet (1996)
- Judwaa (1997) – Where he played a double role, cementing his image as an entertainer.
- Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998)
- Biwi No.1 (1999)
- Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) – Directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, it was critically acclaimed and showed his dramatic prowess.
- Hum Saath-Saath Hain (1999) – A family drama that remains a favorite among Indian audiences.
By the end of the decade, Salman was one of the top three Khans of Bollywood, alongside Aamir Khan and Shah Rukh Khan.
Challenges and Comebacks (2000s)
The 2000s were a turbulent period in Salman’s life. While he delivered hits like:
- Tere Naam (2003) – Considered one of his finest performances.
- Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)
- No Entry (2005) – A comic caper that performed well at the box office.
- Partner (2007) – Another massive hit co-starring Govinda.
He also faced several flops and legal troubles. Some of his films like Marigold, Yuvvraaj, and God Tussi Great Ho failed at the box office. His career was at a crossroads until he made a massive comeback in the next decade.
The Khan Domination Era (2010s)
The 2010s saw Salman Khan dominate the Indian box office like no other actor:
- Dabangg (2010) – The film, where he played the iconic role of Chulbul Pandey, was a phenomenal hit and started a new franchise.
- Ready (2011) and Bodyguard (2011) – Both were commercially successful.
- Ek Tha Tiger (2012) – An action thriller that set box office records.
- Dabangg 2 (2012)
- Kick (2014) – Another commercial blockbuster.
- Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015) – Directed by Kabir Khan, the film was not only a hit but also touched hearts worldwide with its emotional story.
- Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2015) – Marked his reunion with Sooraj Barjatya.
- Sultan (2016) – A wrestling drama that showcased Salman’s physical transformation and acting skills.
- Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) – A sequel to Ek Tha Tiger, it reaffirmed his mass appeal.
- Bharat (2019) – A multi-generational saga that showed his versatility again.
During this period, he earned the title “Bhai of Bollywood” and became a cultural icon, especially among youth and masses in small towns and single-screen audiences.
Television Career
Salman Khan made a significant mark on Indian television as the host of the popular reality show Bigg Boss, starting from Season 4 onwards. His witty hosting style, candid nature, and larger-than-life persona contributed immensely to the show’s TRP ratings. He has become synonymous with the show and continues to host it successfully.
Philanthropy: Being Human Foundation
In 2007, Salman Khan launched his charitable organization, Being Human Foundation, which works in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment for the underprivileged. The foundation funds healthcare for children and provides scholarships for education.
The Being Human clothing brand was also launched, with proceeds going toward charitable causes. Salman is regarded as one of the most philanthropic celebrities in India, quietly funding medical treatments and surgeries for hundreds of individuals.
Controversies and Legal Troubles
Despite his superstardom, Salman Khan has been no stranger to controversy:
1. 1998 Blackbuck Poaching Case
During the shooting of “Hum Saath-Saath Hain” in Rajasthan, he was accused of killing two blackbucks, an endangered species. The case dragged on for years, with multiple court hearings. In 2018, he was convicted and sentenced to five years in jail but was later granted bail.
2. 2002 Hit-and-Run Case
Salman was accused of running his car over a group of homeless people, killing one and injuring others. After a long trial, he was acquitted in 2015 due to lack of evidence.
3. Relationship Troubles
Salman’s love life has always been a media highlight. His relationships with actresses like Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, and others have often been the talk of the town.
Despite these issues, his fan base remained loyal and unshaken, which is a testament to his enduring appeal.
Personal Life
Despite being one of Bollywood’s most eligible bachelors, Salman Khan has never married. Over the years, he has maintained that he believes in companionship but is not bound by the institution of marriage. His family remains very close-knit, and he shares a strong bond with his parents and siblings.
He is also known for his fitness regimen, being one of the first Bollywood stars to promote bodybuilding and gym culture in India.
Legacy and Impact
Salman Khan’s legacy is that of a mass entertainer, philanthropist, and cultural phenomenon. From romantic roles in the ’90s to action-packed blockbusters in the 2010s, his journey reflects his adaptability and popularity across generations.
- Awards and Honors: He has won several Filmfare Awards, National Film Awards (as producer), and other accolades.
- Box Office Records: He has more than 15 films in the 100 crore+ club, and several in the 200 and 300 crore clubs.
- Fan Following: He enjoys one of the largest fan followings in India and internationally, particularly in the Middle East and South Asia.
Recent Years and Upcoming Projects
In the 2020s, Salman Khan continued to deliver hits and entertain audiences:
- Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai (2021)
- Antim: The Final Truth (2021)
- Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan (2023)
- Tiger 3 (2023) – A continuation of the Tiger franchise, co-starring Katrina Kaif.
He is also involved in producing films under his banner Salman Khan Films (SKF) and continues to support new talent.
Conclusion
Salman Khan is not just a movie star; he is a phenomenon. With a career spanning over three decades, he has seen soaring highs and tumultuous lows but has managed to remain relevant, loved, and respected by millions. Whether it is for his blockbuster films, his charitable work, or his bold personality, Salman Khan will forever be etched as one of Bollywood’s most influential icons.