Salman Khan on the time when he was diagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia: 'It would take me an hour to finish my breakfast, it is also called suicidal disease'

Salman Khan on Trigeminal Neuralgia

Despite being one of Bollywood's most adored celebrities, Salman Khan has a story of quiet suffering and incredible strength that goes beyond his fame.

In the premiere episode of Too Much With Kajol and Twinkle, where he appeared alongside his close friend and superstar Aamir Khan, Salman gave fans a rare and deeply personal glimpse into his life.

Salman bared his heart out and finally spoke up about his long, painful battle he had with Trigeminal Neuralgia, a rare nerve disorder often called the “suicidal disease” because of the excruciating pain it causes.

Salman didn’t hold back. “You wouldn’t want your biggest dushman to have that pain,” he said honestly.

He lived with the condition for over seven and a half years, often in complete silence. Every few minutes, the excruciating pain would strike, making even basic daily tasks seem impossible. “It used to take me an hour and a half just to have my breakfast… I used to go straight to dinner,” he shared.

Even strong painkillers—750 mg doses—offered little relief. For a long time, the root of the pain remained a mystery. "They thought it was dental. When I told them the pain eased after a drink or two, they realised it was a nerve thing," he explained.

The first signs came during a light-hearted moment on the set of Partner. "Lara (Dutta) was there. A hair strand hit my face, and I told her, ‘Wah yaar Lara, electrifying’. That’s when it started. I was in so much pain, I couldn’t speak," he recalled.

Eventually, he underwent Gamma Knife Surgery, a highly specialised, non-invasive treatment. "They said the pain would reduce by 20–30 per cent… and then it just disappeared," he said, still sounding amazed.

Today, Salman Khan continues to manage other health concerns like an aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation, but he remains grounded and pragmatic. "A lot of people live with heart conditions, with bypass surgeries… so it’s okay," he said with quiet resolve.

His decision to open up wasn’t just personal—it was also purposeful. "A lot of people have it. It’s now easily treatable," he said, hoping to raise awareness and remind those suffering silently that they’re not alone.

This rare moment of vulnerability was a powerful reminder: behind the fame and larger-than-life persona is a man who’s endured more than most people realise—and come through it with empathy, courage, and the will to keep moving forward.

Also Read: Salman Khan donated his bone marrow to save a girl's life in 2010, became the first donor from India

WHAT IS TRIGEMINAL NEURALGIA?

trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic nerve disorder which causes abrupt, intense pain on one side of the face that feels like an electric shock. The trigeminal nerve, which transmits facial sensations to the brain, is impacted. Commonplace activities like eating, brushing your teeth, or even light touch can cause the pain.

The most common cause is compression of the nerve by a blood vessel, though conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or tumours can also be responsible. In some cases, the cause remains unknown.

A neurological examination and imaging tests, such as an MRI, are used in the diagnosis process to rule out other problems. Anticonvulsant drugs like carbamazepine are typically used as the first line of treatment. Options such as Gamma Knife radiosurgery, nerve-damaging procedures, or Microvascular Decompression may be considered if medication is ineffective.

Even though there isn't a cure, treatment often brings about a great deal of relief for many patients. In order to manage symptoms and enhance quality of life, early diagnosis is essential.