As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds and Eid approaches, the Indian film industry gears up for its annual ritual of blockbuster releases. Eid has long been a golden window for cinematic hits, especially those starring Salman Khan, whose films have shattered box office records time and again. But this year, the festivities evoke memories of Salim Khan, the legendary screenwriter and Salman’s father, currently recuperating in Mumbai’s Lilavati Hospital after a minor brain hemorrhage.
Salim Khan, the creative force behind timeless classics like Sholay, Deewaar, Zanjeer, Don, and Haathi Mere Saathi, has always been unapologetic in his views. When conservative groups issued fatwas against film releases during religious periods, Salim didn’t mince words. He masterfully turned the mirror on his critics, emphasizing core Islamic teachings over rigid interpretations.
In a pointed response, Salim questioned why fatwas targeted filmmakers but spared audiences. ‘If every Muslim who watches movies faced a ban, our industry would collapse overnight,’ he remarked in an old interview. He highlighted that Eid openings are unparalleled because they draw massive crowds, proving Muslims are among the biggest film enthusiasts. ‘Islam preaches humanity and love, not vengeance,’ he asserted, urging a return to the religion’s true essence.
Salim explained Eid releases as a celebration of family bonding and joy, not a clash with faith. Families flock to theaters post-fasting, making it a perfect time for entertainment. This tradition, he noted, dates back to the industry’s inception, with prints planned months in advance for the festive surge.
Amid his health scare, tributes pour in from Bollywood stars visiting the hospital. Salim and Salman have always championed interfaith harmony at home—Salman’s mother from a Hindu background, and Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations complete with dances are annual highlights. Salim’s legacy isn’t just scripts; it’s his fearless advocacy for tolerance in a divided world.