From villainous debuts to producing Bollywood's record-breaking blockbusters

Entertainment · Published 19 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Arbaaz Khan’s career is a study in cinematic evolution. He began by playing menacing antagonists, eventually transitioning into a powerhouse producer and director who helped shape the modern era of Indian commercial cinema, including some of the highest-grossing films ever released.

Born into one of India's most influential film dynasties, Arbaaz Khan began his career in 1996 with a villainous turn in Daraar. His performance as a psychotic wife-beater earned him a Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role, establishing his early reputation as a versatile character actor capable of handling intense, dark roles. He was born as the second son of screenwriter Salim Khan and Sushila Charak. His family ties to the industry are extensive.

His trajectory shifted significantly toward production and direction in the 2010s. In 2010, he launched Arbaaz Khan Productions with Dabangg. The film was a massive commercial success, breaking numerous box office records at the time to become one of the highest-grossing Bollywood movies ever. This success was bolstered by his role as the younger brother of real-life sibling Salman Khan and the inclusion of popular musical sequences. The film featured his former wife Malaika Arora in a popular song. In 2011, he helped her lead a world record dance attempt in Melbourne.

Beyond production, Khan has expanded into diverse media formats. He made his directorial debut with Dabangg 2 in 2012, ventured into Malayalam cinema with Big Brother, and entered the digital space in 2019 with the crime-thriller series Poison. His career also includes hosting reality television on Sony TV. He also appeared in various television programs and serials since 2003. His work spans across Telugu, Urdu, and Malayalam cinema as well.

However, his journey has not been without controversy. He faced legal scrutiny regarding a fatal vehicle accident involving his Land Cruiser in 2012 and admitted to involvement in illegal cricket betting during an investigation in 2018. Additionally, he has faced public accusations from director Abhinav Kashyap regarding the alleged sabotage of the filmmaker's career. The family refused to pay compensation for the 2012 accident because the victim was disowned. He confessed his betting habits during a police interrogation with a bookie.

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