In a heartwarming display of familial harmony, veteran actor Helen graced the 61st wedding anniversary celebration of her husband, legendary screenwriter Salim Khan, and his first wife, Salma Khan. The event, held on Monday, showcased the unique and modern family dynamics of one of Bollywood's most prominent clans.
A Blended Family Celebration
The anniversary party was a star-studded affair, bringing together family and close friends. Helen was photographed smiling as she entered the venue, clearly happy to be part of the significant milestone. Salim Khan, now 88, had married Salma Khan on November 18, 1964, and their union has produced five children, including superstar Salman Khan.
Salman Khan, the eldest son of Salim and Salma, was also present at the celebrations. He sported a black t-shirt and a moustache, which appears to be part of his look for Apoorva Lakhia's upcoming period military drama 'Battle of Galwan'. The actor had recently returned from his Da-Bangg Tour in Qatar.
Star-Studded Guest List
The intimate gathering saw several Bollywood personalities in attendance. Sonakshi Sinha and her husband Zaheer Iqbal were among the family friends who joined the celebrations. The connection between the Sinha and Khan families runs deep - Sonakshi's father Shatrughan Sinha starred in the 1980 film 'Dostana', which was written by the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed. Furthermore, Sonakshi made her acting debut opposite Salman Khan in the 2010 blockbuster 'Dabangg'.
The Story of an 'Emotional Accident'
The Khan family's unique arrangement has its roots in the early 1980s when Salim Khan, after his professional separation from writing partner Javed Akhtar, married Helen while remaining married to Salma. In a candid conversation with his son Arbaaz on Bollywood Bubble last year, Salim Khan referred to his marriage with Helen as an 'emotional accident'.
'She was young, I was also young. Mera koi aisa iraada nahi tha (It was not my intention). This is an emotional accident. Kisi ke sath bhi ho sakta hai (It can happen to anyone),' Salim had explained, adding that while such situations aren't ideal, they managed to make it work in their case.
Salim Khan showed remarkable honesty by breaking the news to his first wife Salma directly, rather than letting her discover it through gossip magazines or other sources. 'When I told her, she didn't shake hands with me and tell me what a wonderful thing I was doing. Of course, we had problems, but for a very short time. After that, everything was accepted,' Salim recalled in the interview.
The screenwriter also handled the situation with sensitivity when informing his children. 'I told my children, 'I have got another person in my life. I have married her. I do not expect anything from you. I don't expect you to love her as much as you love your mother, but I want you to give her the same respect,'' he told DNA earlier this year.
Helen's Perspective on the Relationship
Helen had also spoken about this chapter of her life in an interview with Filmfare. 'The fact that Salim was a married man did disturb me and I did feel guilty in the beginning,' she revealed. However, something about Salim stood out to her. 'Something about Salim set him apart from the rest of the industry men. I respected him tremendously as he tried to help me out without trying to exploit me.'
Over the years, this unconventional family structure has not only survived but thrived, with Helen becoming an integral part of all family gatherings and celebrations. Salman Khan has often referred to both Salma and Helen as 'the best mothers,' indicating the strong bond they share as a family.
The 61st anniversary celebration serves as a testament to the understanding, respect, and love that defines the Khan family, making them a truly modern Bollywood family that has successfully navigated complex relationships with grace and dignity.
