On one hand, filmmakers love to concoct offbeat and outstanding on-screen handles like Gabbar Singh (Sholay) and Bhikhu Mhatre (Satya). Whereas, there are some who prefer to tailor their actors around a set image, which has a fixed byline.

And so Salman Khan becomes Prem and Amitabh Bachchan's alter ego is Vijay.

rediff.com makes a lists of some such popular examples.

Prem

Director Sooraj Barjatya is famously known to identify his lead character -- Prem, a name he picked from his production house, Rajshri Films' hit melodrama, Dulhan Vahi Jo Piya Man Bhaaye. Interestingly, the hero's name in the concerned film was Prem, both -- reel and real time.

According to Barjatya, Prem effectively conveys 'a shy, sensitive character,' much like himself. And so Salman Khan endorsed this Mr Nice Guy in blockbusters like Maine Pyaar Kiya, Hum Aapke Hain Koun and the lukewarm success, Hum Saath Saath Hain.

The soft-spoken film-maker's continuous tribute to Prem resulted in the abysmal love triangle, Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon, starring both Hrithik Roshan and Abhishek Bachchan in the titular avatar.

Undeterred, the coveted title was eventually passed on to Shahid Kapur in the runaway hit, Vivah.

Up next, Jodhaa Akbar's Sujamal aka Sonu Sood is all set to slip into Prem's shoes in Ek Vivaah Aisa Bhi co-starring Isha Kopikkar.

Text: Sukanya Verma

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