Salman, Salman Bhai, Salmanomania – we have heard, experienced and seen it all! This evergreen star who still remains one of the eligible bachelors of Bollywood has been ruling the roost , inspite of spectacular failures and a torrid personal life filled with controversies. But such is the love our beloved Bhai possesses from his undulating fans and film fraternity that his popularity remains unscathed . Personally, I am not a Salman fan. But his unfailing aura always dazzles me. His perfunctory interviews and casual repartees fades in front of the overpowering screen presence he commands whenever he is on screen.

Never considered a performer with brilliant acting chops, there has always been an intrigue around Salman as he keeps soaring with huge blockbusters. Below are my personal favorites of Salman, amongst the plethora of work he has accumulated in his 30 years tenure in Hindi film industry – films that i felt were completely worth of the amazing aura this superstar carries with him.

10. Maine Pyaar Kiya – The film where he made his debut and which made Salman an overnight star. Salman Khan’s dreamlike innocence worked wonders in this rich boy-poor girl love story which still remains etched into our memories . As the quintessential lover boy , Salman was endearing as Prem and a perfect pair to Suman, played by another debutante Bhagyashree. Maine Pyaar Kiya was a colossal success, especially during the time when love stories were completely overshadowed by violent action films in Bollywood. We still remember Salman gyrating to ” Mere Rang main rangne waali” , a tune inspired by Philips ad. And a star was born!

9. Ek Tha Tiger – This spy thriller helmed by Kabir khan was yet another feather in Salman’s cap, as this is definitely one of his better action films. Beautifully shot across exotic locales, Ek Tha Tiger portrayed Salman in all his elements – his sizzling camraderie with Katrina Kaif and some breathtaking action scenes. Salman was effortless in both, and was completely in ease in the film’s light hearted scenes . And as always, he looked dapper and sizzled every-time he was on screen.

8. Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam – This Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s helmed love triangle soared because of its lyrical music, breathtaking photography and compelling performances by its leads . As Sameer who tussled between the love of his life and duty for his guru, Salman was a treat to watch. His comic mannerisms were effortless, and romantic vibes with Aishwarya was effervescent. Salman’s easy vibes with his other co star – Ajay Devgn elevated the film to lavish heights as all three of them were brilliant in this emotional romantic saga which is still remembered for its indelible music.

7. Tiger Zinda Hai – As a sequel to Ek Tha Tiger, Tiger Zinda Hai was a true ode to the overpowering persona of Salman Khan. A heady cocktail of patriotism and incessant thrills, TZH was a power packed entertainer with ISIS theme as its background. And Salman Khan played the true desi Rambo , carrying an ageing matured look yet pulverising enemies with punches and bullets. His opening scene fighting with the wolves in the alps still remains my favourite, and our Bhai was in solid form doing what he does the best.

6. Mujhse Shaadi Karogi – This light hearted entertainer helmed by comedy king David Dhawan showcased Salman mired in a love triangle , and failing every-time to woo his girl due to his temperament issues. Dhawan cleverly used Salman in this film, making him the misunderstood guy complimenting his off screen image. And with a brilliant Akshay Kumar as his competitor who was in constant battle of wits with Salman, Mujhse Shaadi Karogi was a winner all the way. Laced with humour, Salman was in top form throughout , bringing out his fragilities perfectly. We rooted for him to get his girl and he didnt let us down.

5. Andaz Apna Apna – Salman continued his Prem legacy with this rip roaring comedy which is considered a cult classic now. Ironically, when the film was released in 1994, it didnt find much takers. But as one of the characters of the film mouths an iconic dialogue ” Aankhen nikalke gotiyan khelunga”, Andaz Apna Apna attained a venerable status as years passed by . And Salman was at his innocent best , matching step by step to the more blaring Aamir with whom he shared an electrifying chemistry. This is easily one of Salman’s better films where his comic talents were tapped succinctly by director Rajkumar Santoshi.

4. Wanted – This scene by scene remake of the Telugu hit Pokkiri reaffirmed Salman’s status as an action star. After a spate of lukewarm films , Salman was back with a huge bang with Wanted. This film had all the ingredients which his die hard fans were craving for long – smart repartees, witty dialogues, garish dance moves and full on action. And their bhai didn’t dissapoint , with Salman going all guns blazing in this action entertainer . Who can forget the climax scene, where Salman rips of his shirt to display his sharp chiseled physique!

3. Tere Naam – This tragic love story came out a time when Salman himself was mired in personal controversies, but nevertheless, the film roared to success due to riveting performances and an indelible hair style of the actor which is still famous amongst his die hard fans. In a completely revelatory role , perhaps in his entire career – Tere Naam was a catastrophic change for Salman, and is considered one of those films which showcased his acting talents . As a well oiled jobless bully boy who hopelessly falls in love with a simpleton in his former college, Salman was terrific as Radhe. He internalized his vulnerabilities beautifully, investing his heart and soul to the film.

2. Dabangg – One of his most memorable films , Dabangg did wonders for Salman . As the ever charming corrupt cop Chulbul Pandey who is feared and loved at the same time, Salman breathed fire into his character. Playing completely to the gallery, he invested Chulbul with pun , satire and robustness – and in this process, he revelled in the madness. Salman khan iconized Chulbul Pandey through his sheer magnetism and electrifying presence.

1. Sultan – After close to 100 + films in his entire career and playing a deluge of different roles, i strongly believe that Sultan is his best film till date. In this 2016 directorial by Ali Abbaz Zafar, Salman delved to his most realistic best, and delivered a splendid performance as the battered, flawed and bruised Sultan, who comes back to the ring to exorcise his past demons. Completely real with no artifice, the actor was pure flesh and blood in his characterization, and was riveting in the films several emotional ridden scenes where he falters incessantly but brings him up again to give life another shot. Sultan proved Salman’s mettle as an actor who for once, was stripped of his stardom in this film to bring out the real hero within.