Often known as Bollywood's Bad boy, Salman's knack of walking into trouble has overshadowed people's perception of him as an actor. Salman Khan may have been featured as the bad guy of the industry several times over. But many-a-common-man claims that this macho hunk has a heart made of pure gold.

Born on December 27, 1965 Salman Khan is the son of the legendary writer Salim Khan, who penned many super-hits in the yesteryear's like Sholay, Deewar, and Don. Salman started his acting carrier in 1988 by doing a supporting role in the movie "Biwi Ho To Aisi". The following year he came up with his leading role in the box office romantic hit Maine Pyar Kiya (1989). From there he became the heart throb of Indian cinema.Following with other box office hits he showed his terrific performance in Saajan (1991), Andaz Apna Apna (1994), Hum Aapke Hain Koun...! (1994), Karan Arjun (1995), Khamoshi: The Musical (1996), Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998).

Salman Khan transformations can be sensitive, vulnerable, funny, aggressive and charming as his role demands.In 1998 he was arrested by the local police from the shooting location of the film Hum Saath-Saath Hain: We Stand United (1999), for killing protected wild animals and spent about a week behind the bars. The actor is facing trial in three cases of killing black bucks and chinkaras and another of illegal possession of arms.

In September 2002, Salman Khan had hit the headlines after he crashed his Land Cruiser near the American Express bakery in Bandra, killing one man and injuring others.Being in those roguish behaviors he tried to balance his troubled life with his carrier. In 2003 he gave his emotionally charged performance as playing an obsessed lover in "Tere Naam" that translated into good reviews and a good run at the box office. He has not only managed to revive his career, but also to restore the confidence of his producers and distributors alike.His work was noticed internationally in the movie Phir Milenge (2004) where he played the role of an AIDS patient. It was well appreciated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for presenting the problems of AIDS patient in today's world.

Salman Khan has been dating actress Katrina Kaif since 2003.

Arrested and jailed for poaching endangered wild animals after allegedly shooting a rare black antelope near Jodhpur. [12 October 1998]

Frequently gets rid of his T-Shirt in his films to show his muscles.

Hindi megastar

Arrested by police under the charge of having connection with underworld mafia. He was also questioned about Bharat Shah, a producer of Chori Chori Chupke Chupke (2001) since Shah has also been linked with underworld mafia. [2000]

One of the three Khans that ruled Bollywood in the 90s. The other two are Aamir Khan and Shahrukh Khan.

Son of Salim Khan, half of the famed Salim-Javed writing team.

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

Exercises daily. Feels the day was incomplete without a workout.

Loves visiting London.

Was voted 7th best-looking man in the world by People Magazine.

Arrested for culpable homicide following the death of a man in a car accident in Bombay. Mr Khan was involved in an incident in which several homeless people were hit by a car in an area of north Bombay. The film star has been charged with "culpable homicide not amounting to murder". He also faces charges of drunk driving and not having a valid licence. If convicted, he could be jailed for up to 10 years. [October 2002]

Had a well publicised affair with Aishwarya Rai which lasted 2 years. Apparently his endless tantrums traumatized her enough to give a press conference in spring 2003 where she declared that she would never work with him again for personal reasons.

Was accused in another press conference in spring 2003 by Vivek Oberoi to have called the latter 41 times during one night and threatened him with death as well.

Brother of Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Alvira Khan and Arpita Khan.

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. While Saif Ali Khan and Hrithik Roshan are his early trainees.

His favorite actor is Sylvester Stallone.

Model turned actress Malaika was his sister-in-law. Actor turned director Atul Agnihotri was his brother-in-law.

Best friends with Sanjay Dutt. Also has a very strong friendship with Sushmita Sen

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 scrip ideas, and credits this to his memory of when he was a newcomer.