He is the indisputable king of Bollywood. His films are synonymous with humongous box office success and bringing sheer joy to the millions of fans across India and overseas. Even a few years back, residents of the Galaxy apartment in Bandra, Mumbai, were familiar with the sight of the spectacle of euphoric fans after the release of his movie. However, recently, even those vibrant celebrations seem to be hiding a deep sorrow since his recent films have repeatedly bombed at the box office!
Although the excitement among the fans hasn’t diminished entirely, but, they seem to be somewhat conflicted. What has happened to their emperor? What has happened to their beloved 'Bhaijaan'?
The questions are simple, but the answers are elusive! His latest 'Eid release', 'Sikandar', has turned into a source of mockery across the social media platforms! The master is aged. But, can THE Salman Khan be aged? Industry insiders say age might be affecting Salman Khan's natural acting instincts. But, is this the only reason behind the recent failure of some of his expensive endeavors? Let us delve deeper into the current scenarios which have been revolving around the megastar!
According to some, Salman Khan should either quit or take a few months or years off before working with the right director and script once more to produce movies like 'Dabangg' or 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan'.
However, That's just a surface level explanation! It requires diligence ( which Salman Khan has always had ) as well as- especially for a massive star like him, who has been acting as a protagonist in Bollywood for over three decades- the strength to make the right decisions at the right time (about which even his biggest fans might have doubts) to cope with such situation. But, where is your gigantic enthusiasm, Mr. Khan? That clearly fell short in the recent movies!
Salman Khan appears to have transitioned from an actor to a hero to a megastar to the undisputed 'Bhaijaan', according to those who have followed him closely over the years. He probably feels that the portrayal of 'Bhaijaan' (On and off screen, in every true sense ) is far more significant than any other role he is playing! Some of his most recent films, 'Radhe', 'Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan', and 'Sikandar', demonstrate just how true this is!
One aspect of these films is that his character somehow makes an appearance in every scene. Even if he isn't present in a particular scene, the other characters seem to have compelled to maintain his presence through their gestures! The fact that the other actors seem to be competing with one another in every scene to win over 'Bhaijaan' is a more serious and dangerous worry, albeit!
Stars and megastars have always had an impact on mainstream Hindi cinema. Even though the main reason people go to the movies is to see their favorite celebrities, it is irrefutable that the star's importance frequently outbalances that of the character they play. But, the question remains. To what extent, though? To the stretch that the celebrity himself is unable to control his own image?
In December 2025, Salman Khan will celebrate his 60th birthday. Everyone is aware that aging will show on his face in films, and hardly any amount of technical skill can camouflage that. The fact that Salman Khan has never been hailed as one of Bollywood's best actors may also be easy to accept.
But despite all of this, he has an unquestionably huge on-screen persona and a special way of enthralling audiences with his dancing ( remember his unorthodox moves in "Munni Badnam Hui"!) or dialogues (“Mujhpe ek ehsaan karna, mujhpe koi ehsaan mat karna" or "Mere Baare Me Itna Mat Sochna… Dil Me Aata Hun Samajh Me Nahi” or “Hum tum mein itne ched karenge ki confuse ho jaoge ki saans kahan se le aur p**in kahan se.")- that personifies his effortless charisma- leading even his most eager critics to applaud!
Are those days really over? The fans' favourite 'Bhaijaan' and Bollywood's cherished 'Prem' seem to have become only a shadow of his former selves. Is he able to return? Salman Khan's past inspires hope that he will return! But without a fundamental shift (as much as possible for 'Bhaijaan'! At least if he understands that things can't go on like this, that something has to change and that what is happening cannot continue, then there’s a chance!) his battle will be extremely difficult in the absence of strong scripts and direction. It will be interesting to see how well he manages to overcome these challenges despite having some real turbulances in his personal life, too.
The good news is that the movie 'Andaz Apna Apna', which was first released thirty years ago, will be re-released on April 25. Salman Khan and Aamir Khan's comedy classic has already earned the title of 'cult film.'
Given that thirty years ago Salman Khan wasn't 'Bhaijaan' and lacked that swagger, I am not sure how much the current bunch of fans of 'Bhaijaan' will enjoy watching the modest Salman Khan dance to "Yeh Raat Aur Ye Doori" with those hopeful, dreamy eyes from the 1990s. Yet, it's safe to say that many people who long for that era will become a little more nostalgic and fall in love with the lead character in 'Maine Pyar Kiya' after seeing 'Andaz Apna Apna' on the big screen once again.
