The day when Salman Khan reclaimed his stardom with the release of ‘Wanted’

Salman Khan, the name is enough to turn any film into a roaring success. In fact, if we look at his box office records of the past few years, it wouldn’t be wrong in saying that the actor has been a blockbuster machine. But, all was not easy-breezy for the star. The period of few years post the millennium hit, the actor was going through a bad phase, professionally. Although, he tasted success with films like ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’, ‘No Entry’ and ‘Partner’, but all of them were either a multi-starrer or a two-hero film. After delivering flops like ‘God Tussi Great Ho’ and ‘Yuvvraaj’, seemed like the stardom of the star was fading.

But, it was in the year 2009 when he literally carried a film on his shoulders, and it became a blockbuster, reviving his career, and giving him his lost stardom. No points for guessing, it was filmmaker Prabhudheva’s ‘Wanted’, and it was today on September 18, when this film was released which turned Salman Khan’s fortunes once again. (Also Read: When a young Salman Khan earned the respect of his father, Salim Khan)

Talking about the film, it was a total paisa vasool entertainer. Indeed, the film was special one for Salman Khan, but it also turned out to be a winner for various reasons. The film marked the directorial debut of famous actor and choreographer Prabhudheva in Hindi films. Although, Prakash Raj was a popular actor down south and had even earlier worked in a few Hindi films like ‘Shakti: The Power’ and ‘Khakee’, but it was ‘Wanted’ that brought him into prominence among the Hindi film audiences. Mahesh Manjrekar, late Vinod Khanna and Ayesha Takia also delivered memorable performances.

Apart from the brilliant performances, the film is still remembered for its music composed by Sajid-Wajid. Songs like ‘Love Me Love Me’ and ‘Jalwa’ kept ruling the charts and are still a hit amongst the masses. And it was after ‘Wanted’ that Salman’s tradition of releasing movies on Eid started. ‘Dabangg’, ‘Kick’, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, Salman ruled the rooster of box office, smashing all records, wearing the crown of a superstar, in coming years. And all of that started with this movie, ‘Wanted’. The movies dialogues went on to become iconic. Who can forget, “Ek baar jo maine commitment kardi… uske baad toh main khud ki bhi nahi sunta.”

Indeed, Salman Khan is a hero for the masses and will always be audiences’ favorite superstar and the release of ‘Wanted’ had proved this point.

Amod Pandit

Quiet, resonant, and creative, he can be seen immersed in his own world, and puts in his heart and soul into the one passion that he has, Bollywood. His line for survival? Feel happy to be a part of it.