‘I am Shah Rukh Khan today, because of Salim Khan’: When SRK opened his heart about his early struggles

As veteran screenwriter Salim Khan recovers at Lilavati Hospital after suffering a minor brain haemorrhage on February 17, an old interview of Shah Rukh Khan has resurfaced, reminding fans of a bond built long before superstardom.

The 90-year-old writer is stable and under observation. Yet, amid the medical updates, it is SRK’s emotional tribute that has captured public attention once again.

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A Debt of Gratitude That Time Hasn’t Touched

In a 2018 conversation with IANS, Shah Rukh Khan reflected on the support he received during his earliest days in Mumbai. His words were simple, yet powerful.

"I am Shah Rukh Khan today because of Salim Khan," he said.

For an actor who would go on to become one of India’s most celebrated stars, the statement carried immense weight. He revisited a time when he was still a television actor, navigating uncertainty and ambition in a new city.

"The first time I came to Mumbai as a struggling actor, I had my meals at Salman Khan's place, where Salim Khan ji supported me a lot. It is because of them I have become 'Shah Rukh Khan'," said SRK.

Before the global fame and box-office dominance, he was simply another dreamer trying to find his footing in Bombay.

From Struggler to Superstar

SRK made his Bollywood debut with Deewana in 1992. But long before that breakthrough, the Khan household had offered him warmth, food, and encouragement. That he continues to acknowledge it decades later speaks volumes about his humility.

Salim Khan’s Health Update

Salim Khan, father of Salman Khan and one half of the iconic Salim-Javed duo, experienced dizziness due to a sudden spike in blood pressure, resulting in internal bleeding on the right side of his brain. Doctors at Lilavati Hospital performed a minor procedure to stabilise him.

Dr Jalil D Parkar, who is treating Salim, updated reporters on Wednesday.

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Parkar said, "There was minimal brain haemorrhage. A small procedure was done this morning and it was accomplished. He is fine and stable but is still on a ventilator. By tomorrow, hopefully, we will take him off the ventilator. All in all, he's doing quite well. Keeping his age in mind, the recovery time is longer." 

His family, including wives Salma Khan and Helen, along with Salman Khan, remain by his side as he continues his recovery.