8 lesser known facts about Bollywood's 'bhai' Salman Khan

Did you know his actual name is Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan?

Salman Khan might not have had the best year, what with his time in court for the blackbuck poaching case and Race 3 not doing as well as he had hoped. However, one still cannot deny he holds a certain stature in the Indian film industry.

The Sultan star is celebrating his 53rd birthday today. Just like any other superstar, Salman's life is public property as well. But did you know there are few things even the arguably biggest star of Bollywood had managed to keep under wraps?

In honour of his birthday, here are eight lesser known facts about Bollywood's bhai, as complied from Hindustan Times:

His name

Salman Khan's real name is Abdul Rashid Salim Salman Khan. Bet most of you didn't know that, huh?

His heritage

Salman's paternal side hails from the Alakozai Pathan tribe of Afghanistan, who came to India in the mid 1800s. They were employed in the service of the Holkars of Indore. From his mother, Sushila Charak’s side (now renamed Salma Khan) he is a part Maharashtrian and part Dogra Rajput.

Bollywood debut

Contrary to popular opinion, Salman didn't make his Bollywood debut with Maine Pyar Kiya. He was first seen in a supporting role in Biwi Ho Toh Aisi.

One too many times

While the name Rahul is synonym to Shah Rukh Khan in Bollywood, Salman has been named Prem in 15 of his films.

His favourite co-star

Salman has worked with his ex-girlfriend Katrina Kaif the most. The former couple has shared screen in more than 10 films.

Relationships

Salman's love life has always been a topic of debate. While he publicly accepted being in a relationship with Sangeeta Bajlani and Aishwarya Rai, he never confirmed dating Katrina (with whom he was strongly linked) and Pakistani star Somi Ali. Currently, he is rumoured to be dating Iulia Vantur.

Property

His farmhouse in Panvel is spread across 150 acres and boasts of three bungalows, a swimming pool and a gymnasium.

Suicide disease

The superstar is known to be suffering from a disease called Trigeminal Neuralgia, a facial nerve disorder also called the ‘suicide disease’.

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