Rashmika Mandanna is set to romance Salman Khan in ‘Sikandar’, directed by AR Murugadoss. This has created a fair deal of buzz among fans as the two haven’t worked together previously. However, a section of the audience is unhappy about their age gap. To put things in context, the ‘Animal’ actress is 31 years younger than ‘Bhai’. Interestingly, the 58-year-old star is no stranger to romancing actresses decades his junior on the big screen Here are seven times Salman wooed younger ladies on the big screen with ease
Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Jaan (Pooja Hegde, 2023)
Pooja Hegde, who was born in 1990, worked alongside Salman Khan in the Eid release ‘Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Jaan’. The film featured several romantic sequences between the lead pair, which clicked with the masses and made the film more enjoyable. The ‘Maharshi’ star also hit the right notes with her comic timing in the sequences where she tries to address the protagonist as ‘bhai’. The film received mixed reviews and failed to live up to expectations at the box office.
Radhe (Disha Patani, 2021)
Salman Khan was paired opposite Disha Patani, who was born in 1992, in the 2021 actioner ‘Radhe’. The two looked good on screen and impressed fans with their chemistry in the ‘Seeti Maar’ song, The film, however, received mixed reviews with critics ripping apart the weak screenplay but praising the action scenes. Disha and Salman were also seen together in the 2019 release ‘Bharat’.
Dabangg 3 ( Saiee Manjrekar, 2019)
Salman Khan romanced Saiee Manjrekar, 33 years his junior, in certain portions of ‘Dabangg 3’. The film, directed by Prabhudeva, explored Chulbul Pandey’s backstory and catered to the mass audience. The actioner received mixed reviews and did mediocre business at the box office.
Sultan (Anushka Sharma, 2016)
Salman wooed Anushka Sharma, who is 23 years younger than him, in the 2016 sports drama ‘Sultan’. His chemistry with the actress, especially in the ‘Baby Ko Bass’ song, added a new dimension to the compelling narrative. ‘Sultan’, directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, emerged as a massive hit at the box office and received rave reviews from critics.
Kick (Jacqueline Fernandez. 2014)
Jacqueline was nearly 30 years old when she romanced Salman Khan, 20 years her senior, in ‘Kick’ and added a new dimension to her career. The film is best remembered for the ‘Jumme Ki Raat’ track, which featured the stars at their glamorous and naughtiest best. Kick, a remake of Ravi Teja’s action-comedy of the same name, did well at the box office. Fans are eagerly waiting for its sequel.
Ready (Asin, 2011)
Salman Khan was paired opposite 1985-born actress Asin in ‘Ready’, a lively action comedy with commercial elements. The two set the screen on fire with their energetic dance moves to the beats of ‘Dhinka Chika’ and left fans asking for more. ‘Ready’ did well at the box office despite mixed reviews.
Dabangg (Sonakshi Sinha, 2010)
Sonakshi Sinha was merely 23 years old when she romanced 45-year-old Salman Khan in ‘Dabangg’ (2010), which marked her big screen debut. The two floored fans with their subdued chemistry in the Mast Mast Nain song and emerged as everyone’s favourite jodi. She reunited with him for ‘Dabangg 2’ and ‘Dabangg 3’, which opened well at the box office but failed to meet the standards of the first part.
Additionally, Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif who have worked with Salman on several occasions are quite younger than him. ‘Bebo’ was born in 1981. Kat, on the other hand, is currently 40 years old.