Salman Khan, popularly known as “Bhaijaan,” remains one of the biggest and most recognizable stars in Indian cinema. Born on 27 December 1965, he has enjoyed a career spanning more than three decades and continues to command an enormous fan following at the age of 60.
From romantic dramas and action blockbusters to television and philanthropy, Salman Khan has built a unique position in Indian popular culture. At the same time, his career has been accompanied by several major controversies and legal battles.
The Beginning of a Superstar
Salman made his acting debut with Biwi Ho To Aisi in 1988. However, it was Maine Pyar Kiya in 1989 that turned him into a nationwide sensation.
His romantic image and on-screen charm made him one of Bollywood’s most popular young actors. He subsequently appeared in successful films such as Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, Karan Arjun, Judwaa, Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya, Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam and Hum Saath-Saath Hain.
During the 2010s, Salman reinvented himself as a major action superstar with films such as Wanted, Dabangg, Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Sultan and Tiger Zinda Hai.
The Salman Khan Phenomenon
Salman’s popularity goes beyond his acting.
His distinctive dialogue delivery, dance style, muscular screen presence, trademark bracelet and larger-than-life personality have become instantly recognizable.
He has developed a particular brand of commercial cinema combining action, comedy, romance, emotion and larger-than-life entertainment.
Characters such as Chulbul Pandey, Tiger and Sultan have become deeply associated with his image.
His Television Stardom
Salman’s career isn’t limited to films. His association with Bigg Boss has become one of the defining aspects of his television career.
He began hosting the Hindi version of the reality show in 2010 and gradually became closely associated with the programme. His interactions with contestants, humour and sometimes blunt criticism have made him one of Indian television’s most recognizable hosts.
In 2026, Salman continues to remain highly visible through his film and television commitments.
His Film Career in 2026
Following Sikandar, Salman has continued to work on several projects.
One of the major projects associated with him is SVC63, directed by Vamshi Paidipally and produced by Dil Raju. The film features Salman alongside Nayanthara and is expected to be an action-oriented project.
Another highly anticipated project is Battle of Galwan, inspired by the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Salman plays Colonel B. Santosh Babu, bringing a military theme to his filmography.
He is also associated with 7 Dogs, featuring Sanjay Dutt, in a special appearance.
The Blackbuck Case
One of the longest-running controversies surrounding Salman Khan is the 1998 blackbuck poaching case.
The incident occurred during the shooting of Hum Saath-Saath Hain in Rajasthan. Salman was accused of hunting protected blackbucks.
In 2018, a Jodhpur court convicted him and sentenced him to five years in prison. He was subsequently granted bail, while the legal proceedings surrounding the case continued.
The controversy has remained particularly sensitive because of the significance of the blackbuck to the Bishnoi community.
The 2002 Hit-and-Run Case
Another major controversy in Salman’s career was the 2002 Mumbai hit-and-run case.
He was accused of driving a vehicle that crashed into people sleeping on a pavement, killing one person and injuring others.
Salman was convicted by a sessions court in 2015, but the Bombay High Court later acquitted him, finding that the prosecution had not established the case beyond reasonable doubt.
The case nevertheless remains one of the most widely discussed episodes of his career.
Threats to Salman Khan
Security concerns have become increasingly prominent in Salman’s life in recent years.
The actor has received threats allegedly connected to the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, with the blackbuck case frequently cited as the reason for the hostility.
In April 2024, two gunmen fired shots outside Salman’s residence at Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, Mumbai. Salman was not injured.
Following the incident, security arrangements around the actor were significantly strengthened.
The Baba Siddique Connection
Salman’s friendship with the late politician Baba Siddique was another well-known aspect of his public life.
Siddique was particularly famous for his annual Iftar gatherings, which brought together major personalities from Bollywood and politics.
Siddique’s assassination in 2024 was a major shock to Salman and occurred during a period when concerns about the actor’s security were already high.
The 2026 ‘Kala Hiran’ Controversy
Salman also faced a fresh legal dispute in 2026 involving the film Kala Hiran: The Battle for Legacy.
The actor objected to the alleged use of his name, likeness and personality in connection with the blackbuck controversy. The dispute eventually reached the Delhi High Court, which ordered changes concerning promotional material associated with the film.
The case added another chapter to the long-running public discussion surrounding Salman’s blackbuck case.
His Philanthropic Work
Away from the controversies, Salman has also developed a strong philanthropic image through Being Human.
The organisation has supported initiatives involving healthcare and education, while the Being Human brand has become closely connected with Salman’s public persona.
He has also been known for supporting newcomers and people working behind the scenes in the Indian entertainment industry.
Why Does Salman Khan Remain So Popular?
Perhaps the most remarkable part of Salman’s career is his ability to maintain an enormous fan base despite professional setbacks and controversies.
For millions of fans, a Salman Khan film is not simply about the storyline. His screen presence, action sequences, humour, dialogue delivery and larger-than-life personality are themselves the attraction.
His career has gone through several phases, but his ability to remain relevant across generations has made him one of Bollywood’s most enduring stars.
Salman Khan in 2026
At 60, Salman Khan remains a unique figure in Indian entertainment—an actor, television host, producer, philanthropist and one of the industry’s most commercially powerful personalities.
His journey includes extraordinary blockbusters, iconic characters, television success, charitable work and several high-profile controversies.
From Maine Pyar Kiya to Tiger, from Bigg Boss to his ongoing legal and personal controversies, Salman Khan’s story remains one of the most fascinating and enduring journeys in Bollywood.
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