Superstar Salman Khan, who has turned 52 today (December 27), is considered one of the most popular actors of the Hindi film industry with a significant fan following in Asia and Indian diaspora worldwide. But what makes Salman the actor of masses and all ages is his selection of films. In a career spanning almost three decades, the actor has been labeled as people’s man and a family hero.

Salman has always been a firm believer in associating himself with films that all family members can watch together and he has followed this code ever since his debut. So, on the occasion of Bollywood Dabangg’s birthday, let’s check out a list of films, where the actor proved out to be the perfect family hero:

Maine Pyaar Kiya

Salman became the golden boy of the film industry with his debut film and some regard this film as one of his best films till date. The Suraj Barjatya directorial was a perfect family entertainer with a blend of comedy, romance and drama, and of course with some Indian ethnicity added to the mix.

Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!

Long back when Bhaijaan had not discovered his forte, action-adventure, his favourite genre was rom-coms. The film celebrates the Indian wedding traditions by relating the story of a married couple and the relationship between their families. Salman’s role as Prem Nath was widely appreciated by critics and fans alike and was even nominated at various award shows. The family-drama film is one of the highest grossing Hindi films of all time.

Andaz Apna Apna

The film featuring Aamir Khan and Salman Khan has emerged as a cult comedy film. Salman’s character, Prem, was loved by everyone as he essayed the role of a naive lover boy, who wants to marry a rich girl for a better future. After becoming a successful actor in the rom-com genre it was time for the actor to venture into comedy films and Andaz Apna Apna was the perfect way to start the innings.

Hum Saath-Saath Hain

The name says it all. The film is a family drama and showcases the problems that run in a family and how a family can overcome all problems based on their love and relationship with each other. Salman’s winning streak among the critics and fans continued with this family drama.

Chal Mere Bhai

Salman worked with director David Dhawan on numerous occasions and after a brief time, the duo reunited with this romedy. The film features Salman, Sanajy Dutt and Karisma Kapoor in the lead roles. The film narrates the story of two brothers, who eventually fall in love with the same girl. No it’s not a Sajan reboot as the film has its own comic elements in it, which doesn’t make it anything like Sajan. The trio of Salman, Dutt and Karisma received appreciation for their on-screen chemistry.

Ready

After a brief setback, Salman made a comeback with Wanted in 2009 followed it by all time superhit films in the coming years. Ready being one of them and according to Salman himself, the film was meant for all ages and a clean family movie. Ready was widely appreciated and Salman returning to his favourite character, Prem, was also well taken by the critics and fans.

Jai Ho

One of the most anticipated films of 2014, though Jai Ho didn’t fare well at the box office in comparison to Salman’s own films, but did get a lot of attention for its message and content. Jai Ho is one of the best examples, where the actor proved that why he is the best choice for a family entertainer. The tagline of the film was also best suited for Salman as it read ‘People’s Man’. Way to go Salman!

Bajrangi Bhaijaan

Probably one of his best films in recent years wherein he didn’t beat up goons and pick up a machine gun to create a storm at the box office. Bajrangi Bhaijaan narrates the story of a Indian man, who is on an adventure to reunite a young Pakistani girl lost in India. Critics regard this as one of Salman’s best performances and it earned him the moniker of ‘family hero’.

Prem Ratan Dhan Payo

Salman reunited with Rajshree Productions after quite a while in this family drama film. The film features Salman in a dual role and showcases various problems every family goes through. The film was a blockbuster and the fans appreciated their beloved bhai for returning to the genre and justifying his character.

Sultan

Whatever Salman does is always admired by his die-hard fans. And who says action films can’t be regarded as family entertainers. If there is not gore violence in it and there is a message attached then indeed the film can be hailed as a family entertainer. Sultan featuring Salman and Anushka Sharma in the lead roles narrates the story of two wrestlers, whose life fell apart post the death of Salman’s newborn. Sultan broke several records and ranks among the actor’s highest grossing films ever.