He let his work speak louder than fame- a thoughtful look at Arbaaz Khan’s steady rise through decades of Hindi cinema
Arbaaz Khan has never chased the spotlight. Yet, his presence in Hindi cinema has been both steady and significant. As he turns 57 this year, it’s worth revisiting the journey of a man often seen through the lens of his famous surname, but who has quietly carved out his own space. He may be best known for his role in the Dabangg series, but Arbaaz’s story goes far beyond the swagger of “Makkhi Pandey.”
Born on August 4, 1967, to screenwriter Salim Khan and Sushila Charak, Arbaaz grew up in a home filled with the love of cinema. He is part of one of Bollywood’s most influential families. Yet even in that illustrious setting, Arbaaz walked his path with grace. His bond with his brothers Salman and Sohail remains strong, but his identity was never solely tethered to theirs. He began his career in the mid-90s with a role that was anything but safe.
His debut in Daraar (1996) saw him playing a violent, obsessive husband—a role that won him the Filmfare Award for Best Villain. Not many actors would choose to enter the industry this way. But Arbaaz’s choices have always leaned towards the unexpected. Over the years, he balanced commercial cinema with ensemble films, lending sincerity to every role, whether in Hulchul, Shootout at Lokhandwala, or Pyaar Kiya To Darna Kya.
In 2010, Arbaaz turned producer with Dabangg. The film was a cultural phenomenon. He didn’t just act in it; he built it. With Arbaaz Khan Productions, he stepped into a new realm of creativity and control. He later directed Dabangg 2, handling the transition from actor to filmmaker with quiet competence. The series earned not just box office success but also a National Award. Through it all, Arbaaz remained grounded, never letting the scale overshadow his subtle sense of storytelling.
Arbaaz has never shied away from change. In 2019, he entered the world of web series with Poison on ZEE5, playing a grey character in a crime drama. It was a bold move. He also explored hosting with Pinch, where he conducted interviews with celebrities in a candid, conversational style. His digital work reflects a man who embraces new formats but remains true to his calm, composed energy.
His marriage to Malaika Arora and their eventual separation was often in the public eye. Yet, Arbaaz handled it all with rare dignity. He remained devoted to his son, Arhaan, and never engaged in public drama. In 2023, he quietly remarried. His wedding to makeup artist Sshura Khan was intimate and low-key. Recently, they announced they were expecting their first child together—a new beginning at 57.
Arbaaz Khan continues to work, though never in a rush. He has a film coming up with Dharmendra, tentatively titled Maine Pyaar Kiya Phir Se. There’s also talk of new projects under his production banner. But what truly defines him is not the number of films or headlines. It’s his resilience. His ability to evolve. And above all, his quiet love for cinema.
At 57, Arbaaz Khan remains an artist of quiet strength. His story is not just about fame but about staying true to one’s pace. In an industry driven by speed and the spotlight, he reminds us that consistency, sincerity, and self-respect are also essential ways to build a lasting legacy. And in doing so, he remains someone worth watching.
