It’s Dulquer Salmaan’s birthday today, and what better way to celebrate than by revisiting some of his most memorable performances? Over the years, Dulquer has effortlessly slipped into roles that are romantic, rebellious, intense, and everything in between, winning hearts across languages and industries. As fans shower him with love, we look back at five standout films that truly showcase the range and magic of this beloved star.

Charlie
A whimsical, free-spirited ride, ‘Charlie’ showed Dulquer Salmaan like we’d never seen him before. As the eccentric, elusive Charlie, he oozed charm and unpredictability, instantly making the character iconic. From his quirky costumes to his offbeat energy, everything about the role clicked—and fans loved it. His chemistry with Parvathy and the film’s dreamy, almost magical vibe turned it into a cult classic. Dulquer even took home the Kerala State Award for Best Actor for this one.

Ustad Hotel
This feel-good drama gave us Faizi, a young chef torn between chasing his dreams and pleasing his family. Dulquer brought warmth, sincerity, and just the right amount of youthful rebellion to the role. His scenes with the legendary Thilakan, who played his grandfather, are some of the most feel-good moments in Malayalam cinema.

Lucky Baskhar
Set in late ’80s Mumbai, ‘Lucky Baskhar’ follows the unlikely rise of a mild-mannered bank cashier who finds himself swept up in the world of fast money and dangerous ambition. Dulquer completely disappears into the role of Baskhar Kumar, delivering one of his most grounded performances to date. The film, a huge box-office success, became his highest-grossing release yet and earned him rave reviews for his restrained, compelling screen presence.

Sita Ramam
In this sweeping romantic drama, Dulquer played Lieutenant Ram, a soldier whose heartfelt letters to a woman he’s never met set off a story that’s as emotional as it is poetic. His portrayal of Ram—a man of honour, vulnerability, and unwavering love—won hearts across languages. ‘Sita Ramam’ brought back the charm of old-school romance, and Dulquer was the perfect fit.

Kurup
Stepping into the shoes of India’s most wanted fugitive, Dulquer took a bold leap with ‘Kurup’. Based on the real-life story of Sukumara Kurup, the film blended stylish storytelling with a dark, mysterious edge. Dulquer, also the producer, gave a nuanced, layered performance as the anti-hero, showing he could command the screen in morally grey roles just as convincingly as the romantic leads.