Salman Khan, the eldest son of Salim Khan (of the famous Salim-Javed duo), is easily one of the most colourful personalities of the Indian film industry often making news because of his brattish, bad boy image, his repeated flashing of his torso on screen whether or not the role calls for it, his brushes with the law or his personal life.

However, there are no two ways about it - he is a huge star and love him or hate him - you cannot ignore him.

Such is his draw and fan following, particularly among women, that he has been at the helm of at least 5 films that have been the highest grossing films of those particular years.

Along with Shah Rukh, Aamir and Akshay, he is the most stable actor as far as the box-office is concerned, both in India and overseas.

And though never really taken seriously as an actor, even by himself, Salman has shown that he is a capable enough performer whenever the role calls for it in films like Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Tere Naam (2003) or Baghban (2003).

Birthday: 27th December, 1965 in Indore.

Debut Film: Biwi Ho To Aisi (1988).

Major Impact: Sooraj Barjatya's Maine Pyar Kiya (1989).

Successful Films: Baaghi (1990), Patthar ke Phool (1991), Sanam Bewafa (1991), Qurbaan (1991), Saajan (1991), Hum Aapke Hain Kaun...! (1994), Karan Arjun (1995), Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Judwaa (1997), Biwi No 1 (1999), Dulhan Hum Le Jaayenge (2000), Chal Mere Bhai (2000), Yeh Hai Jalwa (2002), Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), Maine Pyar Kyun Kiya (2005) and Partner (2007).

Awards: Winner of the Filmfare Best Supporting Actor for Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

Forthcoming Film: London Dreams.

Facts we didn't know:

His birth name is Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan.

Frequently visits sick children in hospitals, and also goes often to donate blood.

Not only is he a health freak, he also loves to initiate people who aren't as health-conscious as himself into workouts. He forced co-star Anil Kapoor to work out at the gymnasium every day. Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan are his early trainees.

He was an excellent swimmer in his school days and was even tipped for representing the country one day.

In his early days as a struggling actor he never used his father's name and influence like many other heroes with relatives in the industry. He used to visit producers on his own and audition for roles.

Always believes in giving newcomers a chance. So he spares time in between shots to listen to their script ideas and credits this to his memory of when he was a newcomer.