Read The First Part Here
“It is better to light a candle, than curse the darkness.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
None can define better the darkness that came in the second part of Salman’s successful career. An innings that once promised the emergence of an actor full of talent and good looks slowly went downhill in the mess of meaningless comedy and suggestive jokes. But then, truly like a sporting person that he is, this superstar lighted the flame of his own candle, and torched the flame of his success, emerging as the hero of masses.
The Comedy Express with Dhawan
In the second half on 90s, Salman did many comedies with David Dhawan, many of which proved to be successful at Box Office, however, at the cost of skills of our beloved actor, who was clearly being wasted. His romantic, intense, and Casanova image slowly started to fade from the minds of audience, and was replaced with over the top version of comedy, with some cheap jokes thrown in.
One could say that at this point, maybe our superstar was in dire need of success, barring the quality of cinema that he could have otherwise performed in. Judwaa, Biwi No. 1, Mujhse Shaadi Karoge, Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya, Hello Brother, Partner, were some of these movies. Though entertaining, none of these were powerful enough to leave any impact on the audience.
The Return of the Lover Boy
In the year 1998, the audience of Salman Khan was in for a treat. The beloved Casanova boy returned with the superhit Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya, where he romanced the demure Kajol and reasoned with her tough brothers. Though we could still see shades of the previous years’ cheap comedy, but were nevertheless happy to welcome the hero back in the game of love. His shirtless song O O Jaane Jana became a chartbuster and the video had girls swooning all over the nation to the tunes of the song, and to Salman’s coy shirtless act.
Followed by the beautiful love story Jab Pyaar Kisi Se Hota Hai, we could say that our hero was safe in the love zone where we had so desperately wanted him to be. We saw our Prem again as the handsome and super shy son in Hum Saath Saath Hain, and though the time for such ideal Barjatya family dramas was up, we loved his character, and the way he molded himself into the shades and matched Sonali’s character.
His super cute supporting act in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, even earned him awards, and we loved him as Aman. Then came Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, which was a super blockbuster, and not only gave Salman the taste of ultimate success as a big name, but also started his relationship with the beautiful Aishwarya Rai.
The Fall, and The Subsequent Rise of The Superstar
Soon, Salman’s career graph started falling. Blame it on the personal crisis that he might be going through, if you go by the tabloids, or by the fact that his choice of movies just degraded and was nowhere near the level that we were used to. There was a long string of unforgettable performances. Then came Tere Naam, and Salman proved again, that no matter how large the pain, nothing can pull him down from unleashing his real talent on silver screen.
He started his Television innings, as the host of Dus Ka Dum, and rocked the show. People loved him and adored the way he conducted the show. Be it a common man in front of him, or a celebrity, Salman handled it his way.
Rise of the Wanted Dabbang, the Bhai of The Masses
Salman entered into the arena of mass superstars with 2009 blockbustre Wanted, and since then, there has been no looking back. Then came along Dabangg, and we all loved the Robinhood Chulbul Pandey. Salman started the 100 cr, 200 cr, and subsequently even 300 cr clubs, and time came when mere name of Salman was enough to ring the Box Office numbers and keep the money coming. Salman’s characters became so loved amongst the masses that he was given the loved name of Bhai, and his movies are now loved by all and sundry.
The only thing that lovers of quality cinema like us, miss, is his acting skills, which have somehow been lost in this stint of crores and mass performances. Though we wish this lovable actor all the success and well-deserved accolades, we can’t help but miss the innocent Prem, who took our hearts away.
Here is for you, Salman Khan, the superstar of masses and classes alike. The Bhai is now back, with his Eid flick Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and going by the reviews, it is not just another typical Salman Khan movie. This cross-border story is winning critics and box office alike, much like it is being loved by masses and classes alike. With our experience and his career, we would say that only our beloved “Bhai” can do such wonders.
