When Salim Khan’s Hindu father-in-law had objections against his marriage with Salma Khan, saying "Magar religion acceptable nahin hai"

Salim Khan and Salma Khan throwback

• Salim Khan remembers meeting Salma Khan's family during interfaith tension
• Ajji, Salma's grandmother, was Salim Khan's early supporter.
• Salma Khan welcomed Helen, showing family acceptance and grace.

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During a conversation at Arbaaz Khan’s talk show The Invincibles, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan revisited a chapter of his life that predates fame, blockbusters and red carpets,  his love story with Salma Khan.

Long before they became the heads of one of Hindi cinema’s most recognised families, Salim Khan and Salma Khan were simply two young people navigating love in a time when interfaith relationships were often frowned upon.

Salma Khan, who was born Sushila Charak, came from a traditional Hindu family, and Salim Khan admitted that he knew winning their approval would not be easy.

At first, their relationship remained private. But secrecy did not sit comfortably with Salim Khan. Determined to approach things honourably, he told her, "I would like to meet your parents." It was a simple sentence, but one that carried courage.

Recalling that first meeting, Salim Khan described the scene with a touch of humour and lingering nervousness. "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. My father-in-law 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).'" Behind the laughter in his recollection was the very real tension of being judged not just as a man, but as a representative of a different faith.

Also Read: Salman Khan's grandfather and Salim Khan's father Abdul Rashid Khan was a senior officer in British government, latter became an actor and earned Rs 400

Salim Khan’s response was steady and heartfelt. He assured his future father-in-law that there could be countless disagreements in marriage, “but religion will never be one of them”.

After their wedding, Sushila Charak became Salma Khan. Arbaaz Khan also shared a tender family detail — that Salma Khan’s grandmother, lovingly called Ajji, stood firmly by Salim Khan. Remembering her fondly, 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?"

What once felt controversial slowly transformed into a story of acceptance. Years later, when Salim Khan married Helen in 1981, it was Salma Khan who chose grace, welcoming her into the family and helping create a home built not just on tradition, but understanding.