Salman Khan’s father, legendary screenplay writer Salim Khan, has always been admired for his straightforwardness, whether in his films or in his personal life. Known as one half of the iconic Salim–Javed duo, the man behind blockbusters like Sholay, Zanjeer, and Deewaar recently spoke candidly about his family, their food habits, and his philosophy of embracing traditions across religions.
In a heartfelt conversation with The Free Press Journal, the veteran writer shared that despite being Muslims, his family has never eaten beef. He also reflected on his interfaith marriage with wife Salma Khan (formerly Sushila Charak), and the importance of respecting diverse cultures and beliefs.
Salim Khan on Beef Consumption
Salim Khan began his revelation with a clear statement about his family’s food choices.
“From indore until today, we have never had beef. Beef is eaten by most muslims as it is the cheapest meat, some even buy it to feed pet dogs. but in the teachings of prophet mohammed, he has clearly stated that a cow’s milk is a substitute for mother’s milk and it is a mufid(beneficial)cheez. he has stated that cows should not be liked and beef is forbidden,”he explained.
This candid remark highlighted not only his personal belief but also his respect for religious teachings. He underlined that while beef may be common in many Muslim households, he chose a different path influenced by both faith and culture.
Prophet Mohammed’s Teachings and Influence
Salim Khan elaborated on how Prophet Mohammed’s teachings shaped his outlook. He explained that the Prophet had adopted positive practices from various religions, making Islam inclusive and humane.
This philosophy, according to him, promotes harmony among communities, something he had personally experienced growing up in Indore among Hindu neighbors.
“prophet mohammed has adopted good things from every religion. like eating only halaal meat which was adopted from the jews, who call it kosher. he has postulated that every religion is good and believes in a supreme power like we do,”khan said.
Lessons From His Childhood in Indore
Salim Khan recalled his formative years in Indore, where he was surrounded by people of different faiths. This environment naturally taught him the value of inclusivity.
Living closely with Hindu families, he imbibed cultural practices from his surroundings. This early exposure to interfaith harmony later became an integral part of his life and family values.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Salim Khan’s personal life is his marriage to Salma Khan (Sushila Charak). Their union, more than six decades old, was not without challenges, but it eventually blossomed into one of Bollywood’s most respected families.
Salim fondly recalled how his wife’s family initially had reservations due to religious differences.
” my father-in-law, a dentist, was from the dogra community. he had investigated my background when the motter of my wedding came about and respected the fact that i came from a good family and was well-educated. he candidly told me that my religion was his only objection ,”khan remembered.
To ease his concerns, Salim assured his future father-in-law that religion would never be a cause of discord in his marriage.
“1 assured him that even if we had disagreements or fights, my wife and i would certainly not have them because of our religions, we have been wedded now for 60 years,’he said with pride.
A Blend of Traditions in Marriage
What makes their wedding story even more remarkable is the way Salim and Salma combined traditions from both faiths.
Salim revealed that his wife admired the Hindu ritual of saat phere and wanted it included in her wedding.
my wife had loved the saat phere ritual and had seen her sister as well as cousin follow it. so i myself found a pandit it my locality aur phere lagwa liye,”he shared.
Alongside the Hindu wedding rituals, the couple also had a traditional nikaah, which, according to Salim, is essentially about ensuring that a marriage is free from force or compulsion.
A Life of Values, Respect, and Legacy
Salim Khan’s words are not just personal confessions but also reflections of a life lived with deep values. From choosing not to consume beef to blending Hindu and Muslim traditions in his marriage, he has set an example of how coexistence and mutual respect can form the foundation of a family.
As the man behind some of Indian cinema’s most unforgettable stories, Salim Khan continues to inspire—not only through his films but also through his personal philosophy of respecting all faiths and living harmoniously.
At a time when religious and cultural divides often dominate headlines, his life stands as proof that embracing diversity can enrich families and societies alike.
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