Happy Birthday Salman Khan: A look at Bhaijaan's controversial life

Often hailed as Bhai, he's a demigod among the masses. Arguably, Salman Khan is one of the biggest superstars of the country.

His last three films- Sultan, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Prem Ratan Payo raked in more than Rs 400 crore at the box office. But how is our Bhaijaan offscreen? As Salman Khan turns 51 today, here's a look at Bhai's tumultuous journey and a controversial love life.

Starting his career as a supporting artist, Salman Khan catapulted to stardom after the stupendous success of Maine Pyaar Kiya (1989).

Soon after the success, Salman began dating Sangeeta Bijlani, an actress and former Miss India, and they decided to take their relationship to next level. However, Sangeeta called off the wedding for various reasons.

Salman Khan's biggest inspiration and mentor is Sanjay Dutt, the original 'bad' of Bollywood, who also pioneered the six-pack tradition. The duo worked in Saajan, which too shattered the existing box-office records.

Salman and Sooraj Baratya collaborated once again for Hum Aapke Hain Kaun, a film, which is one of the first Hindi films to enter into the prestigious Rs 100-crore club.

Known for his 'family' guy image in films, Bhai has been a baddie offscreen. Though Salman Khan's violent behaviour with his girlfriends made headlines, it was Aishwarya Rai Bachchan who came out in public and accused him for harassing her.

In 2002, Salman was arrested on the charges of culpable homicide. He was sentenced to one year in prison for hunting an endangered species in 2006. He was later acquitted on both the charges.

After winning the hearts of the audience with back-to-back blockbusters like Ek Tha Tiger, Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Sultan, Salman's appalling rape comment shook the entire nation.

Though a lot of things have changed from Maine Pyaar Kiya to Sultan, Salman remains to be the very dear son of controversies.