Tere Naam's title track was inspired by Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai breakup! 'Bhaijaan' used to cry on sets

Bollywood icon Salman Khan’s Tere Naam (2003) marked a turning point in his career, highlighting his emotional intensity as Radhe. Under Satish Kaushik’s direction, the film became a cult classic, remembered for its moving performances and soulful soundtrack. Yet, few know that the title track of Tere Naam drew inspiration from Salman Khan’s breakup with Aishwarya Rai.

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Salman Khan-Aishwarya Rai Breakup!

In 2002, rumours about Salman Khan’s split with Aishwarya Rai dominated the media. Around the same period, he was shooting for Tere Naam. Even today, the film’s music continues to resonate with audiences.

In a recent podcast with Shubhankar Mishra, veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan, who wrote the title track, shared a revealing anecdote about Salman Khan’s emotional state during filming.

Breakup Inspired Tere Naam's Soulful Track?

Sameer Anjaan disclosed that the film’s iconic title track was influenced by Salman’s heartbreak over Aishwarya Rai. He said, “Title track unko dhayan main rakhke nahi likhwaya gaya tha. Voh jo likhwaya gaya tha, voh asli jo unki kahani tuti thi Aishwarya se.” (The title track wasn’t specifically written for him. What was penned reflected his real heartbreak with Aishwarya Rai.)

Sameer added that Salman, known for his role in Bajrangi Bhaijaan, would often cry on set before filming a scene. “Voh gaana Himesh Reshammiya ko bulake, Salman shot dene se pehle gawaate the aur rote the,” he revealed. (Salman would have Himesh sing the song for him before his shot, and he would cry listening to it.)

When asked whether this was an exaggeration, the lyricist confirmed it was true.

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He said, “Voh kehte tu aa aur yeh gaana mujhe suna… Set pe, Salman rote the yeh gaana sunke, uske baad shot dene jaate the. Ki yaar yeh hai, ekdum zakham taza tha unka uss time.” (He would say, ‘Come and sing this song for me. Especially Kyun Kisi Ko Vafa Ke Badle Vafa Nahi Milti. It expressed his pain. On set, Salman would cry after hearing it and then go shoot. His wound was still fresh at that time.)