Over a film career spanning multiple decades, actor Salman Khan has tackled an expansive range of cinematic genres. Following his rise as a romantic protagonist in 1989's Maine Pyar Kiya and his turn as a devoted son and endearing partner in Hum Saath-Saath Hain, his trajectory evolved significantly with the turn of the century. Entering the 2000s, Khan broadened his acting slate to embrace hard-hitting action, emotional drama, and broad comedy, drawing consistent audience backing across every format. For viewers exploring this defining decade of his career, five notable titles from that era are currently accessible on the digital streaming service JioHotstar.
The Emotional Depth of Baghban
Released in 2003, Baghban proved to be a major box office success under the direction of Ravi Chopra. The narrative revolves around an aging couple played by Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, supported by an ensemble cast that includes Paresh Rawal, Mahima Chaudhry, Aman Verma, and Rimi Sen. The plot follows two selfless parents who dedicated their entire lives and resources to raising four sons, only to be cast aside and mistreated by their self-absorbed children in their twilight years.
Within this storyline, Salman Khan delivers an impactful appearance as an adopted son whose gratitude and reverence far surpass the biological children. His character steps forward to provide care and restore dignity to his foster parents, serving as the moral anchor in one of the most recognized family dramas of Indian cinema.
Comic Dynamics in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi
In 2004, director David Dhawan paired Salman Khan with Akshay Kumar for the romantic comedy Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, creating a hit screen partnership. Featuring Priyanka Chopra in the leading female role, the film centres on two distinct suitors, Sameer and Sunny, who find themselves competing for the affection of the same woman.
The rivalry between the two leads fuels a series of comedic misunderstandings and retaliatory schemes as each tries to outmanoeuvre the other. Backed by a chart-topping soundtrack composed jointly by Sajid-Wajid and Anu Malik, the comedy was a clear commercial winner in theatres. The narrative resolution, culminating in a climactic twist revealing who wins the bride, established it as an entertaining hallmark of mid-2000s Bollywood comedy.
Family Hurdles in Dulhan Hum Le Jaayenge
The collaboration between Salman Khan and director David Dhawan yielded multiple theatrical hits, among them the 2000 release Dulhan Hum Le Jaayenge. Pairing Khan with Karisma Kapoor, the story combines romantic conventions with humorous family dynamics.
The plot follows a young man who must secure the approval of his love interest's three maternal uncles, each possessing wildly divergent temperaments and eccentric demands. The protagonist's determined efforts to placate every guardian and integrate into the household drive the comedic narrative forward, offering a look at Khan's signature comic charm from the opening year of that decade.
The Debut of Lucky: No Time for Love
In 2005, the feature Lucky: No Time for Love arrived in cinemas, notable for introducing newcomer Sneha Ullal alongside Salman Khan. The production also featured veteran performers Kader Khan and Vikram Gokhale in key supporting roles. Upon her screen unveiling, Ullal immediately drew widespread public scrutiny and headlines due to her striking facial resemblance to Aishwarya Rai.
While this comparison generated substantial media interest during the film's promotional window, Ullal gradually faded from regular film work soon after. Her absence from mainstream acting was later linked to a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder, a medical condition that led her to step away from active feature film commitments.
Social Advocacy in Baabul
Reuniting with filmmaker Ravi Chopra in 2006, Salman Khan took on an integral part in the emotional drama Baabul. Chopra brought back his Baghban leads, Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini, alongside Rani Mukerji in the pivotal central part.
The storyline addresses the delicate social theme of widow remarriage through an empathetic lens. It centres on a grieving father-in-law who takes it upon himself to overcome social taboos and rebuild the happiness of his widowed daughter-in-law after the tragic loss of his son, presenting a message focused on familial compassion and progressive reform.
