Salim Khan, one of Bollywood’s veteran filmmakers who wrote iconic action and dramatic films like ‘Deewar’ and ‘Sholay’. When it comes to his personal life, it was equally dramatic, just like his movies. He once recalled how he faced opposition from his wife Salma Khan’s Hindu family and the efforts he made to win their acceptance.
Salim Khan began a secret relationship with Salma Khan
Salim Khan once revealed on his son Arbaaz Khan’s talk show, ‘The Invincibles’, that his relationship with Salma began in secret. He admitted he was uncomfortable hiding it from her family and insisted, “I would like to meet your parents.”
When Salim Khan met Salma Khan’s large family
Salim Khan recalled the nerves during the first meeting with Salma’s family. “When I went to meet them, I felt all the country’s Maharashtrians had assembled in one place. There were so many people. I have never been as nervous as I was then. Everyone had come to see me, like I was a new animal in the zoo. Many were in my favour too.”
Salma’s father raises concerns about Salim Khan’s religion
Salma Khan’s father expressed concerns about Salim’s religion. He said, “We have enquired about you. You are educated and from a good family. You don’t get good boys these days. Magar religion acceptable nahin hai (The religion is not acceptable).”Salim Khan reassured him, saying, “There may be thousands of problems between me and Salma, but religion will never be one of them.”
Salma Khan’s grandmother supported Salim Khan
Salim further shared that he received support from Salma’s grandmother. He said, “Her grandmother, who was called Ajji, she was the only person in the family who was in support of me. She used to wait and say, when will my Shankar come?”
About Salim and Salma Khan
Salma, originally named Sushila, changed her name after marriage in 1964. The couple went on to have four children, sons Salman, Arbaaz, and Sohail, and daughter Alvira.
Salim married Helen in his second marriage
In 1981, Salim married actor-dancer Helen. Though it was difficult at first, the family eventually accepted her. The couple later adopted a daughter, Arpita.
