In the Indian movie industry, certain character names become so memorable that they live on far beyond the films themselves. Over the years, some names have been used repeatedly by filmmakers, becoming almost synonymous with the actors who played them. For superstar Salman Khan, one such name is ‘Radhe’. Interestingly, Salman has carried this name in three different films across nearly two decades, each time in a completely new setting and genre.
The journey began in 2003 with “Tere Naam”, directed by Satish Kaushik. Salman played Radhe Mohan, a short-tempered yet soft-hearted young man who falls in love with Nirjara, portrayed by Bhumika Chawla. The film’s heartbreaking climax moved audiences deeply, leaving a strong emotional imprint. Its soulful music became an instant hit, while Salman’s long-haired look set a trend among fans. Even today, “Tere Naam” is remembered as one of his most impactful performances and is often described as a cult classic of Indian cinema.
Six years later, in 2009, Salman returned as Radhe in “Wanted”, an action thriller directed by Prabhu Deva. This Radhe was entirely different, an unforgiving hitman entrenched in Mumbai’s underworld, willing to go to any extent for money. Ayesha Takia played the female lead in the movie which was produced by Boney Kapoor. “Wanted” turned into a massive box office success, collecting over Rs 77 crore in India and more than Rs 87 crore worldwide. It stood tall as one of the highest grossing films of the year and played a crucial role in reviving Salman Khan’s career at the time.
In 2021, Salman once again stepped into the shoes of Radhe in “Radhe: Your Most Wanted Bhai”. Starring alongside Disha Patani, Randeep Hooda, Jackie Shroff, Gautam Gulati and Govind Namdev, the film carried high expectations. However, unlike the earlier Radhe films, this one was released directly on OTT platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately, it was poorly received, garnering negative reviews and an IMDb rating of just 1.8 out of 10, making it one of the weakest entries in Salman Khan’s filmography.
Over 19 years, Salman Khan’s Radhe has seen many shades — romantic, action-packed and even experimental but the name continues to carry weight among fans. Currently, the actor is working on Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, with Chitrangada Singh playing the female lead.
Which of the three movies of Salman Khan in which he played Radhe you liked the most?
