Salman Khan isn’t just one of Bollywood’s biggest stars he’s a true cinematic powerhouse whose influence runs deep in Indian pop culture. Over the past three decades, he’s brought to life a wide spectrum of characters, each showcasing his range as an actor and the undeniable charisma he brings to the screen. From charming romantic leads to tough-as-nails action heroes, Salman’s performances have left a lasting impression on audiences across generations.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of Salman Khan’s most iconic roles the ones that didn’t just shape his career, but also helped define the evolution of Bollywood itself. Whether you’ve been following his journey for years or you’re just discovering what makes “Bhaijaan” such a beloved figure, these films are the perfect place to start.
1. Prem in Maine Pyar Kiya (1989)
The Role: Salman’s breakout performance as the sweet, sincere Prem won hearts across India. This romantic role set the tone for many of his early films and made him an instant star.
Why It’s Iconic: It launched the “Prem” persona that would become synonymous with his brand of romantic heroism.
Legacy: The film is a timeless classic and remains a favorite among fans of ’90s Bollywood.
2. Raj in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!! (1994)
The Role: Salman played the lovable and mischievous Raj in this epic family drama.
Why It’s Iconic: The film redefined Bollywood family entertainment, and Salman’s performance was key to its charm.
Legacy: One of the highest-grossing Indian films of its time, it solidified his reputation as the ideal romantic lead.
3. Karan in Karan Arjun (1995)
The Role: A powerful performance in a reincarnation drama alongside Shah Rukh Khan.
Why It’s Iconic: Salman displayed a mix of emotional depth and action-hero gravitas, helping him break away from purely romantic roles.
Legacy: The dialogue “Mere Karan Arjun aayenge” became part of Bollywood legend.
4. Radhe in Tere Naam (2003)
The Role: As Radhe, Salman played a deeply emotional, tragic character in one of his most intense performances.
Why It’s Iconic: The film showed a different, more vulnerable side of Salman and earned him critical acclaim.
Legacy: Tere Naam is still considered one of his most powerful dramatic roles.
5. Inspector Chulbul Pandey in Dabangg (2010)
The Role: A witty, fearless, and flamboyant police officer with a heart of gold.
Why It’s Iconic: Chulbul Pandey became a cultural icon. His quirky mannerisms and trademark belt move made the character unforgettable.
Legacy: The film kickstarted one of Bollywood’s most successful action franchises.
6. Tiger in Ek Tha Tiger (2012)
The Role: An Indian RAW agent on a mission that blends action with romance.
Why It’s Iconic: It showcased Salman as a sophisticated action hero, expanding his global appeal.
Legacy: Ek Tha Tiger was a blockbuster that gave rise to a popular film franchise.
7. Pawan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
The Role: A kind-hearted devotee of Hanuman who helps a lost Pakistani girl return home.
Why It’s Iconic: Salman brought immense warmth and humanity to the role, which touched audiences deeply.
Legacy: Widely considered his most heartfelt performance, the film was a critical and commercial success.
8. Sultan Ali Khan in Sultan (2016)
The Role: A wrestler struggling with personal and professional challenges.
Why It’s Iconic: The role required physical transformation and emotional depth, which Salman delivered with commitment.
Legacy: Sultan proved his ability to carry a character-driven sports drama to great heights.
9. Avinash Singh Rathore in Tiger Zinda Hai (2017)
The Role: Returning as the fearless agent Tiger, Salman upped the ante in this sequel.
Why It’s Iconic: The film delivered high-octane action and reaffirmed his position as Bollywood’s ultimate action hero.
Legacy: Cemented the Tiger franchise as a cornerstone of his filmography.
10. Bharat in Bharat (2019)
The Role: A man living through different decades of India’s history, reflecting personal and national growth.
Why It’s Iconic: The role allowed Salman to portray a wide emotional and age range.
Legacy: A mature, reflective role that added depth to his career narrative.
Salman Khan’s on-screen journey is more than just a career it’s a reflection of his ability to grow with the times while staying grounded in the charm and energy that fans have adored from the start. From playing the lovable romantic lead to dominating the screen as a larger-than-life action star and even stepping into deeply emotional roles he’s continuously shown range, resilience, and relevance.
These roles aren’t just highlights in his filmography; they’re defining moments in the evolution of modern Bollywood. Whether you’ve been cheering for him since the beginning or are just getting to know his work, exploring these performances will show you exactly why Salman Khan remains one of India’s most iconic and enduring stars.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Salman Khan’s first major film?
Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) was his breakout role and established him as a romantic lead.
Which Salman Khan role is the most critically acclaimed?
Radhe in Tere Naam is often cited as his most critically praised performance.
Is Salman Khan better known for action or romance?
He’s beloved for both, but his transition into action roles in the 2000s brought him massive commercial success.
What is Salman Khan’s most emotional role?
Pawan in Bajrangi Bhaijaan is widely regarded as his most emotionally impactful character.
Are these films available to stream online?
Yes, most of them are available on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Disney+ Hotstar.