Salman Kahn, that mythical name. Mention it in India and a lot of places around the world, and everyone knows who you are talking about. Probably, the US equivalent would be George Clooney. The problem, however, is that Clooney neither has the film output Kahn has, Kahn's done over a 100 films, nor does he have the success. Want a sure investment? Fund one of his films. So, while Clooney has built his stature through style and a Cary Grant-esque suaveness, Khan has built his on style and substance -- again, more than a hundred films and rare is the failure. For those of you who don't know, I present a "Get to know Salman Khan."
Salman Khan was born December 27, 1965 to Salim Khan, a Bollywood screenwriter, and his first wife Sushila Charak. Khan's stepmother Helen is a former actress. Khan has two brothers, and no, they are not named Aamir and Shas Rukh. His brothers are Arbaaz and Sohail. He has two sisters as well, Alvira and Arpita.
Khan's started to gain international attention with the film Maine Pyar Kiya which he was the lead of, the first of which in his career. Khan won Filmfare's Best Male Debut for the film
Khan would build his resume with hit after hit. He would craft superstardom with such films as Saajan (1991), Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), Karan Arjun (1995), Judwaa (1997), Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya (1998), Biwi No.1 (1999), and Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999). Nine different years Salman Khan has had the highest grossing film of the year. Eight films he's been in have grossed over $15 million dollars worldwide.
A complex person, there is a strange dichotomy that exists in Khan. One of the most caring and giving people you will meet. To quote Katrina Kaif:
"I have been able to achieve this position in Bollywood because of Salman Khan. When I came to Mumbai, I knew no one. It was Salman who held my hand at that time. The media unnecessarily hypes our relationship. The truth is that Salman is nothing less than Godfather for me. Now, when Salman's films are a hit, why can't I express my happiness, be happy for Salman? I enjoyed the opportunity to do an item number in Bodyguard with Salman Khan."
Then there is the whole hit and run fiasco, his tempestuous relationship with ex-girlfriend Aishwarya Rai, where it was claimed he stalked her, and the remarks about the November 26 Mumbai hotel attack remarks where he said that the only reason it was getting any attention was because society people were gunned down. He intimated that the poor are murdered in similar manner every day and no attention is brought to it.
Salman Khan is an interesting, highly contradictory character who has made more than his fair share of mistakes in his life. He has also done a lot of good as well.
