As Salman Khan celebrated his 60th birthday, a heartwarming side of the superstar, largely hidden from the public glare, came to light. Veteran writer and actor Viji Venkatesh, who has dedicated 35 years to cancer patient care, shared remarkable anecdotes showcasing Khan's profound and sustained commitment to supporting those battling the disease, especially children.
Two Decades of Silent Service: From Phone Calls to Hospital Visits
Venkatesh revealed that her association with Salman Khan in cancer care work spans over 20 years. Their first meeting took place at Mumbai's Tata Memorial Hospital, where the actor immediately offered his personal phone number, assuring her she could call anytime a patient needed help. This gesture set the tone for a long-term partnership. Venkatesh noted that Khan has consistently ensured she has his updated contact, calling her personally every time he changed his number.
One of the most touching instances involved a young girl on the verge of giving up her fight. Salman Khan personally called and coaxed a 12-year-old cancer patient to complete her chemotherapy when the pain and distress made her want to quit. Thanks to his intervention, that girl is now a thriving 27-year-old, currently preparing for her Public Administration examinations.
Personal Touches: Gold Earrings, Home Visits, and Marrow Donors
Khan's generosity often took deeply personal forms. Venkatesh recalled an evening when the actor, finding himself near Sewri after a shoot, spontaneously suggested visiting the children's cancer ward at KEM Hospital, turning an ordinary day into a special treat for the young patients.
In an extraordinary act of kindness, Salman Khan once took off his own gold earring and asked Venkatesh to deliver it to a young boy dying of bone cancer in Meerut, offering a tangible token of support in the patient's final days. His involvement went beyond emotional and financial aid; he once read a newspaper appeal about a girl needing a bone marrow donor and immediately called Venkatesh, saying he was bringing his brothers to test if they could be a match.
A Friend in Cancer Care: Hosting Patients and Offering Hope
The actor's commitment was further highlighted when he made time for a young patient from Indore. After a planned studio meeting was cancelled due to a shoot schedule change, Khan simply invited the child and the caregivers to his home. He entertained the delighted little one for over an hour, creating a joyful memory amidst a difficult medical journey.
Viji Venkatesh concluded her tribute by calling Salman Khan her 'friend in cancer care for many years', presenting him not just as a Bollywood icon but as a dedicated humanitarian. These stories, shared on the occasion of his 60th birthday on December 30, 2025, peel back the layers of his superstar persona to reveal a man of immense, quiet compassion, who has worked tirelessly to bring moments of joy and practical help to some of the most vulnerable patients for over two decades.
