Did you know Salman Khan wore a turban for these two characters in Bollywood?

Amidst the myriad characters that Salman Khan has brought to life on the silver screen, there stands out a distinct portrayal of Sikh characters that showcases the actor's versatility. In the vibrant tapestry of Bollywood, Salman Khan has donned the turban with grace and authenticity, embodying two memorable Sikh roles that not only showcased his acting prowess but also contributed to the diversity of narratives in Indian cinema. On the occasion of his birthday, let's delve into the nuances of the characters.



Havaldar Balkar Singh in 'Heroes'

In the 2008 film 'Heroes,' Salman Khan stepped into the role of Havaldar Balkar Singh, marking a notable departure from his usual on-screen personas. The movie revolves around two film academy students aiming to create a documentary on the motivations behind joining the Indian Army. Salman, in a supporting role, portrayed Havaldar Balkar Singh, a sergeant of the 8 Sikh Regiment who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. The character leaves behind a grieving wife, Kuljeet Kaur, and a son, Jasswinder Singh, portrayed by Salman himself. Notably, this marked Salman Khan's first portrayal of a Sikh character in Bollywood, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to the film.


Inspector Rajveer Singh Sandhu in 'Antim: The Final Truth'

Fast forward to 2021, Salman Khan donned the turban once again for his role as Inspector Rajveer Singh Sandhu in 'Antim: The Final Truth.' Despite having essayed numerous cop roles in his career, Salman considered this portrayal distinct due to the cultural responsibility tied to wearing a turban.Talking about his role in the movie and the responsibilty of donning a turban in an ETimes segment, Salman mentioned,"Wearing the turban and playing a sardar, who is a cop, is a huge responsibility. You have to bear in mind that there's a culture, a certain humility attached with it. This character is totally different from the cop roles I have played before," he added.


'Antim' is an action drama, serving as an official adaptation of the Marathi film 'Mulshi Pattern.' The narrative explores the poignant theme of farmers turning to a life of crime as a consequence of the challenges they confront.


Stay updated with the latest entertainment news on Times of India. Don't miss the Pushpa 2 review, showtimes, box office collection, estimates and live updates.