Salim Khan

Salim Abdul Rashid Khan was born on 24 November 1935 in Indore, then part of British India. He belongs to the Alakozai Pathan tribe, with ancestral roots tracing back to Afghanistan. He completed his Bachelor’s degree from Holkar College in Indore, where he was known as a star cricketer and also trained as a pilot.

Entry into Films

In the late 1950s, Salim Khan moved to Mumbai to pursue a career in acting. Between 1959 and 1970, he appeared in around 14 films, including Teesri Manzil. However, after realizing that acting was not his true calling, he shifted his focus to screenwriting.

The Salim–Javed Era (1971–1982)

Salim Khan formed a historic partnership with Javed Akhtar, creating the iconic writer duo known as Salim–Javed. Together, they revolutionized Hindi cinema and became the first screenwriters in India to achieve star status, with their names featured prominently on film posters.

They are credited with creating the “Angry Young Man” archetype that propelled Amitabh Bachchan to superstardom.

Major Blockbusters

Some of their most celebrated films include:

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  Haathi Mere Saathi (1971)

  
  


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  Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)

  
  


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  Zanjeer (1973)

  
  


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  Deewaar (1975)

  
  


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  Sholay (1975)

  
  


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  Don (1978)

  
  


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  Mr. India (1987)

  
  

The duo pioneered the “masala film” format and helped popularize the dacoit western genre in Indian cinema. They parted ways in 1982 due to personal differences but briefly reunited in 2013 to protect their copyrights for the Zanjeer remake.

Personal Life

Salim Khan is the patriarch of the well-known Khan family in Bollywood. He married Sushila Charak, now known as Salma Khan, in 1964. The couple has four children: actors Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, and daughter Alvira Khan Agnihotri.

In 1981, he married actress Helen while remaining married to Salma. Together, they adopted a daughter, Arpita Khan Sharma.

Recent Health Update

As of February 2026, the 90-year-old veteran has been receiving treatment at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai and is reported to be in stable condition.