Salman Khan, lovingly called “Bhai” by millions of fans across the globe, is one of the most influential and commercially successful actors in the history of Indian cinema. With a career spanning over three and a half decades, he has delivered some of the biggest blockbusters Bollywood has ever seen and commands a fan following that borders on devotion.
Early Life
Born on December 27, 1965, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, Salman Khan is the eldest son of acclaimed screenwriter Salim Khan and his first wife, Sushila Charak (later known as Salma Khan). He grew up in a large, close-knit family that includes brothers Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan, and sisters Alvira and Arpita. The family moved to Mumbai where Salman attended St. Stanislaus High School in Bandra and later studied at Scindia School in Gwalior. He also attended St. Xavier’s College in Mumbai but dropped out to pursue acting. His father’s legacy in Bollywood as one half of the legendary Salim-Javed screenwriting duo naturally drew young Salman toward the world of cinema.
Career Breakthrough
Salman Khan made his debut with a brief appearance in Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988), but his career truly began with Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), directed by Sooraj Barjatya. The film was a massive hit, earning over ₹100 crore and establishing Salman as the new romantic hero of Bollywood. His collaboration with Barjatya continued with Hum Aapke Hain Koun..! (1994), which became the highest-grossing Indian film at the time with collections exceeding ₹135 crore. These early successes positioned Salman as one of the three Khans who would dominate Bollywood for the next three decades alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan.
Box Office and Career Highlights
Salman Khan’s career experienced a powerful resurgence in the 2010s with a string of record-breaking blockbusters. Dabangg (2010) introduced the iconic Chulbul Pandey character and grossed over ₹214 crore. Ek Tha Tiger (2012), Kick (2014), Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015), Sultan (2016), and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017) all crossed the ₹300 crore mark, making Salman the undisputed king of Eid releases. Bajrangi Bhaijaan remains one of his most critically acclaimed films, earning a National Film Award Special Jury mention and a worldwide gross of over ₹900 crore including its record-breaking China release. The Tiger franchise has collectively earned over ₹1,500 crore worldwide. As the long-running host of Bigg Boss, Salman also dominates Indian television ratings, reportedly earning over ₹1,000 crore for multiple seasons of the show.
Being Human Foundation and Business Empire
Salman Khan founded the Being Human Foundation, a charitable organization focused on education and healthcare initiatives for underprivileged communities across India. The foundation also operates Being Human clothing stores, with proceeds going to charity. Through SKF (Salman Khan Films), he has produced and distributed several successful films. His net worth of $310 million (₹2,580 crore) in 2026 reflects his vast business interests spanning films, television, endorsements, and philanthropy. He endorses brands like Thums Up, Suzuki, and Relaxo, with his endorsement fees among the highest in the Indian entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Despite being one of the most eligible bachelors in India for decades, Salman Khan has never married. His past relationships with actresses Sangeeta Bijlani, Aishwarya Rai, and Katrina Kaif have been widely covered by the media. He maintains an extremely close bond with his family and is known for his loyalty to friends in the industry. Salman resides at Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, Mumbai, a location that has become as iconic as the star himself, with fans gathering outside regularly. He is an avid painter, a fitness enthusiast who has transformed the bodybuilding culture in Bollywood, and is particularly close to his youngest sister Arpita’s children.