With the superstar set to launch a bunch of newbies in showbiz this year, yet again, we take a look at some of ‘BHAI ’ proteges in Bollywood, over the years.
SAJID WAJID(1998)
Brothers Sajid ali and Wajid Ali made their bollywood debut with Salman’s 1998 hit pyaar kiya to darna kya. Eventually, the music composer duo delivered numerous hits but continue to be a favourite of Salman Bhai, for whom they composed for films like Dabangg(2010) and Jai Ho, this year.
Himhesh Reshammiya
It was all about one-off music albums for Himesh until his big break in Bollywood came from Salman Khan in form of Pyar Kiya To Darna Kya(1998) where he got the chance to compose some of the songs. A known name today, Himesh’s initial hits were all from Salman’s films- Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge(2000) and Tere Naam (2003). Gradually, Himesh outgrew himself from Salman, and the teo had a public spat of sorts in a reality show around 2008, however , in 2011 they decided to bury the hatchet and once again worked together in Bodyguard.
KATRINA KAIF(2005)
Salman’s ex, Katrina’s career would have perhaps been lost in oblivion if he didn’t rescue her after her debut debacle, Boom. From casting her in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya? To deciding her intial film choices. He completely reinvented Kat from the scratch.
SNEHA ULLAL
Sneha, who’s often touted as a rebound for Salman after his breakup with Aishwarya Rai, because of their strikingly similar looks, was launched by him in LUCKY: no time for love.
HRITHIK ROSHAN(2000)
Hrithik was launched by his dad Rakesh Roshan in Kaho Naa.... Pyaar Hai but not many know that it was Salman’s training that went into creating that Greek God- like physique. More recently after his split with wife Sussanne, Hrithik reportedly spent a lot of time with ‘bhai’, pouring his heart out.
MAHEK CHAHAL(2009)
Mahek was mostly seen in Punjabi flicks until Salman gave her a break in wanted and Main Aurr Mrs Khanna. Later, in 2011 it was apparently Salman who recommended her name for the reality show Bigg Boss. “Salman is a mentor and has always guided me about my negatives,” Mahek was quoted saying.
ASIN THOTTUMKAL (2009)
Asin made a grand debut with Amir Khan in Ghajini (2008) but thereafter her career would have faded in their air if Salman hadn’t given her a much-needed break in London Dreams(2009) and then in Ready(2011).
Zareen Khan
A complete newbie, Zareen bagged the leading role alonside Salman In Veer. Many believe that it was Zareer’s striking similarity with Salman’ex, Katrina, attracted the superstar to her, and prompted him to give her a break.
SONAKSHI SINHA(2010)
One of Salman’s best discoveries, Sonakshi was apparently an overweight foodie until Salman promised to give her a break if she lost weight. He kept his word by launching her in Dabangg, and the rest is history. Sona is a star now.
Jacqueline Fernandez, Ashmit Patel, Daisy Shah
Salman’s a real big daddy when it comes to rescuing drowning careers. While his last release saw the launch of newbie Daisy Shah, it also saw the revival of actors like Ashmit Patel and Sana Khan . Meanwhile, Salman is currently filming his next release, Kick with Jacqueline Fernandez, whose career almost went into a standstill after Race2, last year.
DAISY SHAH
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