Superstar Salman Khan, a constant in Hindi cinema for over three decades, turned 60 on December 27. While his career is often defined by blockbuster films and commercial milestones, several key moments of professional integrity and quiet philanthropy have largely remained outside the mainstream spotlight.
These instances, based on archived media reports and industry records, paint a picture of a career that evolved not just in front of the camera but also through impactful decisions made behind the scenes.
A Film for a Social Cause
In 2004, Salman Khan starred in Revathi’s directorial ‘Phir Milenge’, a film that addressed the sensitive subject of HIV awareness and workplace discrimination. According to contemporaneous trade reports, the actor charged a token fee of just one rupee for his role.
His decision was reportedly driven by the film’s social message rather than commercial viability. At a time when star-driven projects followed a rigid financial model, this move received limited attention and was not part of any promotional strategy.
Intervention During ‘Veer’ Production
During the making of the 2010 film ‘Veer’, a group of junior technicians and daily-wage workers faced delays in their payments due to internal financial issues. The matter was resolved without escalating into a public dispute.
Later acknowledgements during film industry union discussions revealed that Salman Khan had personally intervened to ensure all pending dues were cleared. Union representatives confirmed that the payments were made voluntarily through standard industry channels, resolving the issue quietly and efficiently.
Medical Aid Through Being Human
Beyond his film work, Salman Khan established the Being Human Foundation in 2007. While the foundation is now well-known, its early work involved direct financial assistance for critical medical treatments without extensive publicity.
Archived reports document specific cases where the foundation supported underprivileged children. This included funding a major heart surgery for a teenage girl and covering the costs for a two-year-old child’s liver transplant. These interventions were reported at the time but were not leveraged as part of any large-scale promotional campaigns.
As he enters his 60th year, Salman Khan’s enduring career in films, television, and production continues to hold public interest. However, it is these quieter, under-reported chapters that add a significant dimension to his long journey in the industry.
