Long before Salim Khan became a legendary screenwriter and Ajit Khan cemented his status as Bollywood’s most iconic villain, the two shared a bond that was more like family than industry peers. Actor Shehzad Khan recently opened up about this decades-old connection, revealing that it was his father, Ajit Khan, who brought a young Salim Khan to Mumbai to chase his dreams. According to Shehzad, the veteran actor didn’t just help him settle in; he welcomed him into his own home and treated him like a younger brother.
The bond between the two families remained incredibly strong even as their careers took off in different directions. Shehzad shared a poignant memory of his father’s final words of advice, revealing that Ajit Khan had told him, “If you ever have any problem, then don’t go to anyone; go to Salim.” It was a testament to the trust they shared, and Shehzad noted that Salim Khan reciprocated that support throughout the years, standing by his father long after he had first arrived in the city as a newcomer.
Beyond the family history, Shehzad also reflected on his own journey in the industry, specifically his father’s reaction to his early performances. While Shehzad made his debut in the 1988 hit Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, his turn as the character Bhalla in the 1994 cult classic Andaz Apna Apna left his father less than impressed. Ajit Khan, who had spent decades meticulously crafting a serious, menacing screen persona, was reportedly unhappy to see his son lean into comedy. Shehzad recalled his father telling him, “Whatever you have done, don’t do it again. I have worked so hard for so many years and made a serious image of myself. You have made that into a complete comedy.”
Despite his father’s initial reservations, Shehzad carved out his own niche in the industry, balancing both negative and comic roles. Beyond his memorable run as Bhalla, he became a household name for a younger generation as Tiger in the hit children’s series Shaka Laka Boom Boom. His extensive filmography, which includes projects like Barsaat, The Legend of Bhagat Singh, and Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, proves that he successfully navigated his own path in Bollywood while honoring the legacy left by his father.