In the history of Bollywood, the date September 10 holds a very interesting place for fans and trade analysts alike. This single calendar date has witnessed massive ups and downs in the fortune of Salman Khan. Spanning across three different decades, films released on this exact date highlight various phases of his professional journey. While the first two attempts in 1999 and 2004 failed to make any notable impact at the box office, the third one in 2010 created a nationwide storm that initiated the golden era of his stardom.
Hello Brother and the Weight of Expectations
Released on September 10, 1999, the action-comedy movie Hello Brother featured Salman Khan, his younger brother Arbaaz Khan, and Rani Mukerji in lead roles. Directed by Sohail Khan, the makers had massive expectations from this project. The plot introduced a quirky concept where the hero turns into a ghost and his heart is transplanted into Arbaaz Khan. Although the film's tracks became massive chartbusters, a weak screenplay and childish humor failed to keep audiences seated inside theaters, making the movie a box office disappointment.
Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha and the Silence at Box Office
Exactly five years later on September 10, 2004, Salman Khan returned to the big screen with the romantic-emotional drama Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha. Directed by Atul Agnihotri, the film starred top actors Preity Zinta and Bhumika Chawla alongside him. Based on the sensitive subject of heart transplantation, the music composed by Himesh Reshammiya and A.R. Rahman received appreciation. Despite this, the sluggish pace and an overly sentimental plot failed to connect with the general audience, handing the actor another setback on the exact same calendar date.
Dabangg and the Era of Chulbul Pandey
By the late 2000s, Salman Khan's career was navigating through a difficult phase. Although 2009's Wanted offered some relief, he desperately needed a mega-blockbuster that could elevate him to new heights of stardom. Released on September 10, 2010, and directed by Abhinav Kashyap, Dabangg proved to be that defining milestone. Salman breathed life into the fearless, carefree, and desi-swag-filled character of Chulbul Pandey from Uttar Pradesh, forcing audiences to cheer and whistle inside cinema halls.
Record-Breaking Success and Cultural Impact
When Dabangg arrived in theaters, it unleashed a tsunami of collections. It marked the Bollywood debut of Sonakshi Sinha, production backing by Arbaaz Khan, and featured Malaika Arora in the iconic item number Munni Badnaam Hui. The action sequences, iconic dialogues, and the signature style of tucking sunglasses behind the collar became nationwide trends. Grossing over 140 crore, it emerged as the biggest blockbuster of 2010. The date that once brought failure permanently transformed into the turning point of his career.
