As Salman Khan celebrates his 60th birthday, four of Bollywood’s most celebrated filmmakers — who have delivered some of his biggest cinematic milestones — opened up about the many shades of the superstar. From raw emotion and breathtaking action to impeccable comic timing and timeless romance, they explain why Salman remains one of the most versatile and enduring icons of Indian cinema.
“He’s Gifted Yet Underutilised”: Ali Abbas Zafar On Salman’s Emotional Depth
Director Ali Abbas Zafar, who has worked with Salman in Sultan, Tiger Zinda Hai and Bharat, believes Salman’s emotional core is his strongest asset yet not explored enough.
Calling him “gifted and hugely underutilised”, Zafar says Salman’s towering persona often overshadows the deeply emotional performances he is capable of delivering.
In Sultan, Salman portrayed a powerful mix of masculinity and vulnerability. Tiger Zinda Hai showcased his charisma balanced with humanity. In Bharat, he displayed remarkable emotional range, playing a character from age 21 to 65, with the heart-wrenching scene involving Tabu standing out for the director.
Off-screen, Zafar says Salman’s biggest lesson was simple — “don’t take life too seriously.”
Kabir Khan: “International Action Was New For Him — And He Owned It”
Director Kabir Khan recalls working with a “mega star” so early in his career on Ek Tha Tiger. International-scale action was new territory for Salman, but he embraced it with unmatched enthusiasm.
Kabir says sometimes he had to slow Salman down, and other times Salman pushed him to elevate the action sequences. Their collaboration resulted in a blockbuster and gave Bollywood one of its biggest action franchises.
He reveals that while conventional wisdom suggested repeating the success formula, Salman was instantly drawn to Bajrangi Bhaijaan’s emotional and political depth — a film that beautifully reflected his love for children and became his first production venture.
“He Had To Make People Laugh, Not Hate Him”: Anees Bazmee On Comedy Genius
Anees Bazmee, who directed Salman in No Entry and Ready, says Salman instinctively understood characters who were mischievous yet lovable.
In No Entry, Salman plays a charming troublemaker who ruins lives but still remains adored by the audience — something only he could pull off. He brought innocence and perfect comic rhythm to Ready as well.
Bazmee believes there’s no character Bollywood’s “Bhai” cannot portray.
Sooraj Barjatya: “Together, We Built The Eternal Romantic Hero”
Director Sooraj Barjatya credits Salman for immortalising the beloved character “Prem” through films like Maine Pyar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and Hum Saath-Saath Hain.
Barjatya says he writes simple, heartfelt scenes — and Salman brings them alive with charm, warmth and playful affection. Their collaboration crafted one of Bollywood’s most iconic romantic images: the family-loving, emotionally rich, dream romantic hero that millions adored.
A Star Unlike Any Other
At 60, Salman Khan’s legacy spans blockbuster action, soulful emotion, rib-tickling comedy and grand romance — a combination rarely seen in modern cinema. Loved by filmmakers, cherished by fans and celebrated by the industry, he continues to remain “the complete Bollywood star.”