Salman Khan, the Bhaijaan of Bollywood, is celebrating his 60th birthday today (December 27, 2025). One of his biggest legacies is certainly the line of action
movies, which not only by the force of his presence, but also by the brilliant sequences, which in fact have become a vital part of the Indian pop culture, have been widely recognised and praised by the audience all over the world. In the last thirty years, Salman has been the powerhouse of the most stylish and confident action films filled with a caliber that was unmatched of him.It does not matter if it is the fearless tough cop playing in Dabangg or kicks brooding hero, to name just two films; all of Salman's action characters are the new standard for the Bollywood action genre. His powerful one, liners have been infused with a mixture of strength, swagger, and resilience, which have made his actors immortal. These phrases still go down in the memory bank of the fans, hence, confirming his heroic stature. On the occasion of his 60 years, we took a glance at 5 action films that made him a legendary hero of the genre.
1. Wanted (Netflix/Amazon Prime Video)
In the 2009 action film Wanted, Salman Khan steps into the role of Radhe, an undercover cop who doesn’t mess around. He brings this mix of raw power and sharp strategy—one minute throwing punches, the next outsmarting the bad guys. The movie’s packed with wild stunts, shootouts, and gritty fights, and Salman throws himself right into the chaos. Radhe isn’t just tough; he’s got that cool, unshakeable vibe, but there’s real emotion under the surface too. The character sticks with you, and honestly, Salman’s performance turned him into a real heavyweight in action movies. This was the film that changed things for him.2. Dabangg (Prime Video)
Salman Khan lights up the screen in this 2010 cop drama as Chulbul Pandey—a bold, sharp-tongued officer who doesn’t just break the rules, he rewrites them. He smashes through fights and shootouts with this wild mix of swagger and brains. You can’t miss those punchy lines—“Swagat nahi karoge humara?” and “Thappad se dar nahi lagta sahab, pyar se lagta hai”—they stick with you. Chulbul’s larger-than-life attitude and offbeat charm turned him into an instant icon. With this role, Salman didn’t just play an action hero; he pretty much set a new standard for Bollywood cops.
3. Bodyguard (Netflix/Prime Video/JioHotstar)
Salman Khan plays Lovely Singh in Bodyguard—a bodyguard who doesn’t mess around. He dives into wild action scenes, throwing punches, wrestling bad guys, and pulling off stunts that really show off his strength and drive. It’s not just about the action, though. Salman brings a mix of charm and toughness to the role, and you can see why the movie turned into a hit. Those unforgettable fight scenes, his sharp sense of humor, and the real emotion he brings all come together to make Bodyguard stand out in his run of action movies.
4. Ek Tha Tiger - (Netflix/Prime Video)
Salman Khan steps into the role of Tiger, a top RAW agent who’s both fearless and sharp. The film throws him straight into the chaos of secret missions, tangled spy games, and, of course, a complicated romance. He’s all over the place — leaping across rooftops, throwing punches, pulling off wild stunts. You can really see his athletic side and that larger-than-life energy he brings to the screen. Tiger isn’t just a tough guy; he’s got a personal side too, and you catch glimpses of his struggles between duty and emotion. That mix turns him into one of Bollywood’s most memorable action heroes.
5. Tiger Zinda Hai - (Netflix/Prime Video)
Salman Khan’s Tiger in Tiger Zinda Hai isn’t just another action hero—he’s a force. Whether he’s tearing through wild fight scenes, racing cars, or pulling off last-second rescues, he brings a mix of brute strength and real heart. You see him taking on terrorists, risking everything for hostages, and never backing down from his loyalty to his country. There’s this raw energy in every punch and shootout, and honestly, that’s what sets him apart. These big, explosive action scenes, mixed with real emotional moments, turned Tiger Zinda Hai into one of his most unforgettable hits.Which of these films are you planning to watch? Tweet to us @TimesNow!
