Former actress Somy Ali has reacted to the news of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan being hospitalised, saying it deeply affected her.
“He was like a father to me,” says Somy Ali
The actress shared that when she heard about his health, her “heart sank.” For her, Salim Khan is not just a respected name in cinema, he holds a very personal place in her life.
A personal bond beyond films
Taking to Instagram, Somy posted a picture of Salim Khan with his wives, Salma Khan and Helen. Along with the photo, she wrote a heartfelt note remembering the time she spent in his home.
She said that while the world sees him as a legendary writer who helped shape stars like Amitabh Bachchan and co-created iconic films like Sholay, she always saw him differently.
According to Somy, she once lived in his house and was treated like a daughter. She was included in family meals and long conversations that often went beyond cinema.
Conversations about faith and life
Somy recalled that many of those discussions were about faith and belief. She said Salim Khan respected all religions and encouraged open conversations.
She also shared that he taught her an important lesson, that God is bigger than any one doctrine and that storytelling should always have truth at its core.
For her, those lessons stayed long after the film talks ended.
“His humanity built people”
Praising both his professional and personal side, Somy wrote that his brilliance created cinematic history, but his humanity shaped lives.
She ended her message by praying for his strength and recovery, adding that he means more to her than words can express.
Salim Khan admitted to Lilavati Hospital
Salim Khan was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 17. His son and actor Salman Khan reportedly rushed from a shoot in Madh Island to be by his father’s side.
Daughters Alvira Khan Agnihotri and Arpita Khan were also seen at the hospital, along with Arpita’s husband Aayush Sharma.
Reports suggest that Salim Khan had complained of swelling. He celebrated his 90th birthday in November last year.
From struggling actor to screenwriting legend
Salim Khan moved to Mumbai in the 1950s and began his journey in films as an extra and supporting actor. Acting did not take off the way he had hoped, but it eventually led him to writing.
In the late 1960s, he teamed up with Javed Akhtar to form the iconic duo Salim–Javed. Between 1971 and 1982, the pair delivered some of Hindi cinema’s biggest films, including Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay, Don, Trishul, Kaala Patthar, Yaadon Ki Baaraat and more.
Their stories changed the tone of mainstream Hindi films and helped define the strong hero-led dramas of that era.