Why I’m a Fan of Salman Khan
Salman Khan, born on December 27, 1965, is a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, known for his roles as an actor, producer, and television personality. Beyond his career in entertainment, he’s a notable philanthropist through his charitable trust, the Being Human Foundation, which he established in 2007. Over his 35-year career, Salman Khan has delivered numerous blockbuster movies that continue to captivate audiences. Despite enduring several controversies, he remains a megastar, and I find myself compelled to express my deep respect, love, and admiration for this man with a heart of gold.
Before making his Bollywood debut in 1988, Salman Khan had appeared in a few commercial advertisements, notably one for Campa Cola directed by Kailash Surendernath. However, his initial attempts to secure auditions by approaching various directors with his portfolio were met with disappointment. Nonetheless, in 1988, he served as an assistant director for the film “Falak” and simultaneously made his acting debut in “Biwi Ho Toh Aisi,” which didn’t fare well at the box office. Despite this setback, his breakthrough came in 1989 when he portrayed the role of Prem in “Maine Pyar Kiya,” directed by Sooraj Barjatya. This film turned him into an overnight sensation in the Hindi film industry, and I deeply admire his perseverance during the late 1980s in his pursuit of acting.
Fortunately, Salman Khan continued his success in Bollywood with major hits like “Baaghi,” “Pathar Ke Phool,” “Saajan,” and “Love” until 1991, before encountering a series of flop movies from 1992 to 1994, including “Ek Ladka Ek Ladki,” “Jaagruti,” “Dil Tera Aashiq,” and “Andaz Apna Apna.” Critics in the ’90s found his acting style and movie choices uninspiring. However, he made a triumphant comeback with hits like “Hum Aapke Hai Kaun,” “Karan Arjun,” “Khamoshi,” “Judwaa,” and “Pyaar Kiya toh Darna Kya” by the end of the 1990s. His ability to handle both failure and success with simplicity and humility is truly commendable.
In the early and mid-2000s, only a few of his movies, such as “Chori Chori Chupke Chupke,” “Tere Naam,” “Mujse Shaadi Karogi,” “No Entry,” “Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya,” and “Partner,” managed to entertain audiences. Despite his appearance in the international film “Marigold” in 2007, it wasn’t until the late 2000s and 2010s that Salman Khan’s films, including “Wanted,” “Dabangg,” “Bodyguard,” “Ek Tha Tiger,” and “Sultan,” truly connected with viewers. His success can be attributed to his careful selection of scripts that matched his character, avoiding repetitive roles. “Bajrangi Bhaijaan,” for instance, resonated deeply with its theme of humanity, as he went to great lengths to reunite a lost girl with her family, bridging borders. These kinds of films can help foster a stronger sense of humanity and unity among us.
Beyond his cinematic and philanthropic endeavors, Salman Khan has been actively involved in charitable activities throughout his career. He founded the Being Human Foundation in 2007, selling products such as T-shirts to fund assistance for underprivileged citizens in India. The foundation also sponsors the education of 2000 students at Akshara High School in Mumbai and collaborates with the NGO Aseema to support 300 more students. Additionally, Being Human participates in the VEER initiative, working with people with disabilities. The foundation’s work exemplifies Salman Khan’s commitment to bringing communities together and helping those in need.
Salman Khan’s influence extends beyond his charitable efforts. He has played a pivotal role in helping several celebrities in the Bollywood industry kickstart their careers. Notable examples include Katrina Kaif, Sonakshi Sinha, Arjun Kapoor, Sajid-Wajid, Himesh Reshamiya, Sneha Ullal, Zarine Khan, Eli Avram, Rahul Roy, and others. His willingness to support fellow colleagues and individuals less fortunate than himself is highly inspiring.
It is important to acknowledge that Salman Khan, like any human being, is not without flaws. His past legal issues, including the Blackbuck incident in 1998 and the hit-and-run case in 2002, have garnered significant attention. However, it is crucial to remember that none of us are perfect, and public criticism should be fair and respectful. We should appreciate him for his contributions to both the entertainment industry and philanthropic causes, rather than solely scrutinizing his personal life. The Indian media, in particular, should strive to be more understanding and respectful in their coverage of Salman Khan.
In addition to his cinematic and philanthropic endeavors, Salman Khan has faced health challenges, specifically trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve disorder causing acute facial pain. He sought treatment in the United States in 2011 and has since recovered. Though advised to avoid strenuous stunts in his films, we look forward to seeing him continue to entertain us in the future.
In conclusion, I take immense pride in being a fan of Salman Khan. He embodies qualities of both a fine human being and a superstar of the 21st century. I hope that actors in both Bollywood and Hollywood can emulate his character and philanthropic spirit in the years to come.
