From Salman Khan to Hrithik Roshan: Superstars who have made their screen names iconic

Salman Khan’s resounding dialogue ‘Main wapas aa gaya’ in the trailer of his upcoming film, Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, has sent fans into a frenzy. After all, the actor will be seen as his much-loved character, Prem, in a Sooraj Barjatya production after 16 years. He isn’t alone. There are other screen names that have helped superstars create their identities. Besides recall value and saleability factors, screen names are also crowd-pleasers.Here’s a look at some stars and their famous screen names..

Everyone loves Prem
Salman Khan
When he is playing Prem, Salman isn’t a brat. His I-care-a-damn-attitude is replaced with family values. Rather than mouthing his trademark one-liners, he is seen delivering more sober dialogue. As Prem, Salman is lovable, shy and an epitome of goodness despite being his naughty self. Even when he played Prem, sans his director Sooraj Barjatya, in films like Ready, he was loved.
READ: ​‘Sultan’ first look: Salman Khan as Sultan Ali Khan is intense

The glamorous Poo aka Pooja
Kareena Kapoor Khan
She is irreverent, bold, has oodles of attitude, turns a deaf ear to her detractors, yet is warm and kind. These are the various hues of Pooja from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2003) that came the closest to Kareena’s off-screen personality. In the movie, she played a girl who speaks her mind and is unapologetic about it. She had the same name in other movies too such as Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hai and Tashan and was pitch-perfect. Interestingly, Bebo’s sister Karisma Kapoor, too, played Pooja in multiple films including Saajan Chaley Sasural, Biwi No 1 and Aatish.​
For latest Bollywood updates, follow us on Twitter >>>@TOIEntertain
For the latest in Bollywood news, like us on Facebook >>>TOIEntertain

Rohit is the revival trick
Hrithik Roshan
Hrithik Roshan began his career as Rohit in Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000) and became an overnight sensation. Later, when his career was going through a lull, the actor played the mentally-challenged Rohit, once again in his father Rakesh Roshan’s Koi...Mil Gaya in 2003. There was no turning back for him. The subsequent sequels of the Krrish saw him reprise the role of Rohit Mehra. Hrithik’s onscreen name Rohit strikes a chord with audiences, due to his innocence, simplicity and strength to fight against odds.
Listen to Salman Khan songs on Gaana.com

The namesake
Ajay Devgn
He was born Vishal Devgn, but was rechristened Ajay for his debut film Phool Aur Kaante (1991). Ever since, the actor has been seen as Ajay in nearly a dozen films including Haqeeqat, Suhaag, Ishq, Apharan and Zakhm. His affinity for the screen name was evident when he played Ajay in his directorial debut U, Me Aur Hum. The brooding personality, intense eyes, and urge to stand up for what is right merges the thin line between his reel and real names.

Vijay, the angry young man
Amitabh Bachchan
In his career of over four decades, Big B has played Vijay more than 20 times. From movies like Zanjeer, Deewar, Don, Agneepathto Bbuddah Hoga Terra Baap (2011), he has portrayed the angst-ridden character. Vijay is the quintessential angry young man with smouldering eyes, who fights against injustice. Industry sources say that Big B is so fond of his on-screen name Vijay, so much so that on many occasions, he himself has suggested that it to filmmakers.

Back to beginnings
Sunny Deol
Dharmendra’s elder son Sunny Deol was born Ajay Singh Deol. Though he changed his name to Sunny when he joined films, Ajay was never far. The actor played Ajay in over a dozen films, the most popular one being Ghayal. He came to be known as the common man who delivers heavy-duty dialogue, has intense action scenes and is a reticent lover. In fact, he is reprising his character of Ajay in the sequel of Ghayal, which he is also directing.
For more interesting Bollywood news and pictures follow us on Pinterest>>> timesofindia
For latest Bollywood updates follow us on G+ >>> The Times of India Entertainment
WATCH: Salman Khan finally opens up about the actress in Sultan - TOI