Salman Khan is back on the top of T’Town’s ladder. He’s had a fantastic 2009. Here’s why he’s 2009’s HOTTEST star...

The year’s biggest hit

Salman had three releases this year. Although London Dreams and Main Aurr Mrs Khanna were duds at the box office, the superhit Wanted gave his career a much-needed boost. Director-choreographer Prabhu Deva has packaged Salman brilliantly in the film – he is funny; he is romantic; he is a killer machine and he shows off his arms – so all his fans just flocked to the movies. Wanted ended up being the BIGGEST hit of the year. Salman left contemporaries Shah Rukh and Akshay waaay behind and took over the throne.

Image make-over

It is clear that Salman tried very consciously to change his image this year. He did not get into any fights, was more forthcoming with the media and raised a lot of money for his charity Being Human. He did everything for this charity, from organising football matches to getting the big shots of B’wood – Sanjay Dutt, Aamir Khan, Saif Ali Khan and Akshay Kumar – walk the ramp for him at HDIL India Couture Week. He also opened Farah Khan’s talk show Tere Mere Beach Mein with mamma Salma, giving his fans a glimpse of the lovely relationship he shares with her.

Dus showed Dum

The second season of Dus Ka Dum was a perfect TRP raker. Salman showed a different side to him on the show, charming his way into the hearts of aam janta and his starry friends.