We have been watching you for decades, from the days that you had a hairy chest to now, when the crop has been felled. It is amazing, how you have maintained your physique and managed to surprise us in every movie, filling the pages of your endless chapter in Bollywood history.

Well, it has been established that we are big fans, but for those who aren’t too familiar with Salman Khan’s legacy, here is a list of five unforgettable Salman Khan films: 

Maine Pyar Kiya (1989): There are numerous films in which Salman Khan has been called “Prem” but it was this film that started the trend. The film featured Salman Khan opposite Bhagyashree; both them projecting their characters exceptionally, under the guidance of Sooraj R. Barjatya, the director. The dialogue that struck a chord in hearts of the audience was the lines said by Suman aka Bhagyashree: “dosti mein no sorry no thank you.”

Hum Aapke Hain Koun (1994): This one needs no introduction; especially, after it created box office history in 1994. Again, the film was directed by Sooraj R. Barjatya and Salman played the lead role as “Prem”. This time his lead was Madhuri Dixit (Nisha), whom he meets at his elder brother’s wedding. The twist in the story is revealed after Nisha’s elder sister dies and both, the groom’s and bride’s family, want Nisha to marry Prem’s elder brother.

Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001): The reason this film worked well with the audience, was because what the story dealt with was against the norm. Salman played the character of Raj whose wife had an accident during her pregnancy and lost her child. After the accident, she is unable conceive a child. So they ask a prostitute Priya (Preity Zinta) to be a surrogate mother.

Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004): This one was all laughs, featuring both Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. While the film was a copy of a Hollywood blockbuster, it is fun to see how the director has Indianised the entire story. The great Amrish Puri also lends the film a lot of excitement, but it would have been incomplete without Salman Khan.

Dabangg (2010): The way Dabangg made a place for itself in Bollywood history was nothing less than a bang. Even though the film had nothing new to offer, but it was well spiced with brilliant dialogues that offered a refreshed zing.

We raise a glass to Salman Khan – Happy Birthday!