Salman Khan turns 60: How TV turned Salman Khan into nation’s most trusted superstar

PTC Web Desk: Salman Khan’s relationship with audiences has always gone beyond cinema, but it was television that transformed that bond into something deeply personal. On the silver screen, he has long been the embodiment of spectacle, the fearless action hero, the intense lover and the unshakeable star. Television, however, revealed a different Salman: more approachable, more reflective  and strikingly familiar. As the actor turns 60 today, his journey on television stands out as one of the most defining chapters of his stardom.

That shift truly began in 2010, when Salman took over as host of Bigg Boss 4. What started as a celebrity hosting assignment soon became inseparable from his identity. Over the next 15 years, seasons changed, formats evolved and controversies came and went, but Salman remained the show’s emotional and moral anchor. For viewers and industry insiders alike, Bigg Boss without Salman Khan has become almost unimaginable.

His role on the show has never been limited to announcing eliminations or reprimanding contestants. Salman Khan brings with him an unmistakable authority: the kind that doesn’t need raised voices. When he speaks, contestants pause  and audiences lean in. His presence lends credibility to the chaos of reality television, grounding it in familiarity and trust.

In recent years, that presence has carried added weight. Amid heightened security concerns, Salman’s appearances on the show have reportedly been surrounded by strict protocols: closed sets, limited movement and heavy protection. Yet none of that unease ever spills onto the screen. When he steps onto the Weekend Ka Vaar stage, he appears calm and composed, effortlessly switching between humour, stern guidance and moments of quiet introspection. That contrast: vulnerability behind the scenes and command on camera:  continues to set him apart.

What has further strengthened his connect with viewers is his willingness to confront uncomfortable conversations publicly. Whether addressing accusations of professional interference levelled by filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap  or responding to criticism around delays and creative setbacks in his recent projects, Salman has chosen transparency over silence. He has spoken candidly about career missteps, creative failures and the uncertainty that comes with even the biggest stardom, reminding audiences that success is never guaranteed.

This honesty has become one of his defining traits on television. Unlike many stars who maintain a polished distance, Salman allows viewers glimpses into his personal reflections, on ageing, discipline, loneliness, regret and resilience. At times, he has even spoken about his legal troubles and personal struggles, not as headlines, but as lived experiences. These moments, woven between arguments and evictions, give the show an emotional depth that goes beyond reality TV theatrics.

The impact of his presence is perhaps most evident in how contestants view him. Many participants have openly admitted that being on Bigg Boss isn’t just about the trophy,  it’s also about interacting with Salman Khan. A single conversation, a word of encouragement or a stern warning from him often becomes a defining moment, sometimes more valuable than the prize itself.

In an era where celebrity personas are carefully curated, Salman’s television journey feels refreshingly unfiltered. He hasn’t reshaped himself to suit the medium; instead, television has evolved around him. His pauses, blunt remarks, warmth and unpredictability coexist naturally, much like real life.

And that may explain why, even after decades of fame, Salman Khan remains one of television’s most enduring and trusted figures. Not because he projects perfection, but because he shows up — consistently, honestly and unapologetically. On that stage, week after week, he doesn’t just host a show; he shares his stardom. And that is why audiences continue to return, season after season.