Salman Khan is one of the most popular and talented actors in Bollywood. He has dominated the box office for decades with countless successes. Khan began his career in 1988 with Biwi Ho Toh Aisi, and later he gave several hits including Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun, Hum Saath Saath Hain, Karan Arjun, Dabangg, Bodyguard, Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, among others.
As the Bollywood superstar celebrates his 58th birthday today December 27, let us look at some of his best films.
Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994)
This musical romantic drama film was written and directed by Sooraj Barjatya. Salman Khan as Prem consistently receives special recognition for a tale that has stood the test of time and is still regarded as a favourite among lovers of Hindi cinema. Salman, who starred alongside Madhuri Dixit in the film, was endearing as usual, bringing his quirky touches to everything he did.
Andaz Apna Apna (1994)
Andaz Apna Apna, a cult comedy that was ahead of its time, is still a fan favourite. The film has characters who are still famous and are recreated in costume parties and Bollywood evenings, and it is a testimonial to the eccentricities of his personality that his followers adore.
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was a classic because Salman as Sameer presented a very strong argument for the love narrative, which was so sophisticated for its period. Salman performed in roles with different cast ensembles, something that most celebrities would have avoided at the time. And in doing so, amassed a devoted following.
Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
It is among Salman Khan's highest-grossing films. Ali Abbas Zafar is the director of the film. It is based on a story by Zafar and Neelesh Misra and produced by Aditya Chopra under Yash Raj Films. The film is a sequel to Ek Tha Tiger (2012) and is the second installment in the YRF Spy Universe. The feature stars Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif. Like its predecessor, the movie broke several box office records while it was in theatres.
Bodyguard (2011)
Another well-received Salman Khan movie! As the romantic-action movie continued, Salman Khan's character, Bodyguard Lovely Singh, and the girl he is paid to protect (Kareena Kapoor) developed a blossoming romance. The movie was an enormous hit and is still quite popular.
Dabangg (2010)
Dabangg, widely recognised as his comeback movie, is one of Salman Khan's masterpieces that people continue to talk about because of its comedy, music, and action scenes. Salman Khan portrayed a police officer in the movie, which was so well received that the producers decided to create two more.
Sultan (2016)
Sultan made waves in 2016 both at the box office and in people's hearts. Salman portrayed a wrestler in the movie who makes a return in his 40s, and his love story is paralleled by the plot.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
Released in 2015, this movie continues to be many fans' favourite Salman Khan film! The film saw Salman in a completely different role and had just the perfect mix of action, emotions, and a heartwarming storyline. It was a box-office blockbuster.
Kick (2014)
One of Salman Khan's best films, Kick is directed by Sajid Nadiadwala. Salman Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Jacqueline Fernandez, and Randeep Hooda are among the actors who star in it. The film received a positive response and turned out to be a blockbuster film of its time.
Tiger 3(2023)
Tiger 3 is the third installment of the Tiger franchise and a part of the YRF Spy Universe with the likes of War and Pathaan. The movie also has cameo appearances of Shah Rukh Khan and a post-credit scene featuring Hrithik Roshan. Just like the two previous installments - Ek Tha Tiger and Tiger Zinda Hai -, the film focuses on a new mission involving RA&W agent Tiger (Salman) and ISI agent Zoya (Katrina Kaif). Tiger 3 is among the highest-grossing films of 2023.
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire
Rahul Bhatt sparks controversy over 'insensitive' remarks about sisters Alia and Pooja Bhatt
Rahul Bhatt, fitness trainer and son of veteran filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm following controversial remarks about his half-sister, Alia Bhatt. In a recent interview, Rahul drew comparisons between Alia and their older sister Pooja Bhatt, calling the latter more talented, attractive, and principled.
The comments, which many have labelled inappropriate and insensitive, have sparked widespread criticism online. During the interview, Rahul stated, “In my opinion, she (Alia) is not even half of what my real sister Pooja is. Not in talent, not in looks, not in terms of being sexy. In front of my sister, she is ‘paani kam chai’ (watery tea). Amongst the siblings, the most talented and the most moralistic is Pooja.”
Social media users reacted strongly, questioning why Rahul would compare his sisters in such personal terms. Several users were particularly disturbed by his reference to their appearance and sex appeal, pointing out that such comparisons within a family cross boundaries of propriety. One comment read, “This is disturbing. Why talk about your sisters like that? It’s not just weird, it’s wrong.” Another post said, “There’s nothing respectful about comparing your siblings’ attractiveness in public.”
The backlash also reignited conversation around a decades-old controversy involving Mahesh Bhatt and Pooja Bhatt. Rahul was asked about the infamous 1990s magazine cover where the father-daughter duo shared a kiss, which had stirred public outrage at the time. Dismissing the criticism, Rahul said, “It doesn’t make any difference. It’s like water off a duck’s back. We know the truth, and we’ve seen everything since childhood.”
Rahul’s casual dismissal of that controversy has added fuel to the fire, with critics saying it reflects a broader issue of the Bhatt family being insensitive to public perception and boundaries. Many users questioned the need for bringing up old incidents in a bid to defend new and equally questionable statements.
As of now, neither Alia Bhatt nor Pooja Bhatt has issued any public response to Rahul’s remarks. Both actors, known for their significant contributions to Indian cinema, have typically kept family matters private despite living in the public eye.
This episode has also sparked debate over the role of public figures in maintaining respect when discussing family matters in the media. Observers say such comments, especially when involving women’s appearance and personal qualities, reinforce problematic attitudes and fuel unnecessary controversies.
While Rahul Bhatt is not as prominent in the entertainment industry as his father or sisters, his comments have made headlines and placed the Bhatt family in the spotlight for reasons beyond their creative work. For many, this serves as a reminder that public platforms come with responsibility, and that family ties should not be trivialised or dissected for attention or comparison.
The backlash is unlikely to subside soon, especially as fans and followers of Alia and Pooja continue to express disappointment over the way the situation has unfolded. Whether or not Rahul chooses to clarify or apologise remains to be seen.