There's nothing anyone loves more than lists. So here is my entirely subjective list of the best of Salman Khan. Generally, this Khan doesn't usually get chosen for retrospectives. Those honors are given to the other stars. Despite having fun and doing whatever the hell he wanted, Salman still has given some unforgettable movies. My list will obviously skew to a more girly side but hey, it's my list!
Maine Pyar Kiya - What a debut! (Yes, I know he made Biwi Ho To Aisi first but let's ignore that!) Stunning to say the least. With one movie, he became the best looking guy in the industry. He acted well (unlike the later years) and had explosive chemistry with Bhagyashree. The songs are remembered to this day and anytime you see a pigeon, this movie is what you're reminded of.
Patthar Ke Phool - This was still the skinny lanky young Salman with his own hair. He made the best of it with Raveena Tandon and I still can't get Kabhi Tu Chaaliya Lagta Hai out of my mind. I think that is 99% more than what I remember from most films of ANY star.
Saajan - If there was Kajol and SRK in the 90s, there was also Madhuri and Salman. Though Sanjay Dutt played a handicapped man, Salman still stole hearts and sympathy when he gave up Madhuri at the end. Though usually a clown, his big soulful eyes can convey pain if he's in the mood for it. With Salman, he does whatever he wants to do. If he doesn't want to look sad, he won't!
Andaz Apna Apna - one of my most favorite movies of all time and a cult classic. Extremely funny and can be watched again and again. Also featured Aamir Khan, a combination unlikely to be repeated ever again.
Hum Aapke Hain Kaun - The movie that began the NRI craze. I remember being forced by my family to go to a rundown old theater to watch this. Though it has lost some sheen over the years and many people calling it a wedding video, it is still Suraj Bharjatya's best movie and will still put a smile on a your face even as you say how cheesy it all is.
Khamoshi - Salman deserves credit for taking small roles in good films without fighting for footage. This too was the director's best work. Baahon Ke Darmiyaan is heard at every single wedding in the US for the couple's first dance.
Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai- This movie has one of the best soundtracks of the 90s. It would place on any top 10 list anywhere. Jatin Lalit in their best phase created a masterpiece. And also, there is only ONE star that can dance around with tall white girls and not look like a complete idiot. Salman can pull off the craziest things and this movie is witness to that.
Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam - Just recently I was watching Saregama and this girl was besides herself about how Aishwarya could possibly leave Salman and go with Ajay. She was so passionate about it over 10 years after the movie's release. I don't even need to say anything more.
Partner - Completely wacky and stupid and SO much fun. The only rip-off of a Hollywood movie that was head and shoulders above the original snoozefest of a movie. The fact that Salman actually kept up with Govinda while dancing was mindblowing. So what if he looked like an elephant stomping the ground- he didn't mess a step!
Soon to be no.10 on this list is hopefully Dabangg!
Thanks Again.
ReplyDeleteWow Salman love in full flow hahahaha
ReplyDeleteI will struggle to pick movies here...
Slaman's best movies are for sure Maine pyar, Hum aapke, Andaz apne apna and Sajan. Never cared for anything else. For some reason he was always annoying to me, and post 2000 his annoyance just grew many folds.
Bandhan, Tere Naam, then that kareena Kapoor one, then Yuvraaj, Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, PZ-Rani_sallu movie, I saw so many expecting something, but Salman always disappointed.
One more movie that I loved of Sallu was Akki-Salman-Piggy chops one, yeah, Mujhse shadi, but only because of Akki. Though the end was crappy but movie was fun thanks to Akki.
In last 2 years though, Salman has finally revived his interest in movies, which can be seen by the effort he is putting in his roles, in picking the movies, in marketing them, everywhere.
May be its the result of the fight with Shahrukh Khan, or may be somehting else, but he is lot more professional now for sure.
Also I think earlier he was chasing the A lister tag, hence all sappy dramas with Rani and PZ, now he has settled to be the massy hero, and it is paying him dividends.