Bollywood’s veteran screenwriter Salim Khan recently spoke candidly about why beef has never been a part of his family’s diet, a practice that continues in the life of his son, superstar Salman Khan. Despite being born into a Muslim family, Salim explained that the family has abstained from beef for generations, starting from his early years in Indore.
In an interview with Free Press Journal, Salim Khan highlighted that the decision to avoid beef aligns with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed. According to him, the Prophet emphasized the importance of cow’s milk as a beneficial substitute for mother’s milk and forbade the killing of cows. Salim further noted that while beef is commonly consumed by many Muslims due to its affordability, it has never been part of their household diet. He also mentioned that Prophet Mohammed incorporated positive practices from other religions, such as eating only halaal meat, akin to the Jewish practice of kosher. Salim emphasized that the teachings of all religions recognize a Supreme Power, a principle his family respects in their dietary choices.
Interfaith Marriage and Cultural Harmony
Salim Khan also reflected on his marriage to Salma Khan, born Sushila Charak, and how cultural harmony influenced the family’s traditions. He explained that even before his marriage, he had been raised among Hindus and participated in Hindu festivals. Celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi were observed naturally in his surroundings, including at police stations and in local communities. This familiarity helped ease the integration of both Hindu and Muslim traditions in his household.
Salim recalled that while his father-in-law initially had reservations due to religious differences, he appreciated Salim’s family background and education. Their marriage included both Hindu rituals, like the saat phere, and Islamic practices, such as the nikah, reflecting mutual respect and adherence to both traditions. The couple has now been married for over six decades, maintaining these shared customs.
Legacy in Bollywood
Beyond family and traditions, Salim Khan is celebrated as one half of the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, known for classics like Sholay, Zanjeer, and Deewaar. His candid discussions about family life, religion, and cultural practices offer insights into the values that shaped not only his household but also the upbringing of his children, including Salman Khan, who remains one of Bollywood’s most prominent stars.
( Originally published on Aug 31, 2025 )
In an interview with Free Press Journal, Salim Khan highlighted that the decision to avoid beef aligns with the teachings of Prophet Mohammed. According to him, the Prophet emphasized the importance of cow’s milk as a beneficial substitute for mother’s milk and forbade the killing of cows. Salim further noted that while beef is commonly consumed by many Muslims due to its affordability, it has never been part of their household diet. He also mentioned that Prophet Mohammed incorporated positive practices from other religions, such as eating only halaal meat, akin to the Jewish practice of kosher. Salim emphasized that the teachings of all religions recognize a Supreme Power, a principle his family respects in their dietary choices.
Interfaith Marriage and Cultural Harmony
Salim Khan also reflected on his marriage to Salma Khan, born Sushila Charak, and how cultural harmony influenced the family’s traditions. He explained that even before his marriage, he had been raised among Hindus and participated in Hindu festivals. Celebrations like Ganesh Chaturthi were observed naturally in his surroundings, including at police stations and in local communities. This familiarity helped ease the integration of both Hindu and Muslim traditions in his household.
Salim recalled that while his father-in-law initially had reservations due to religious differences, he appreciated Salim’s family background and education. Their marriage included both Hindu rituals, like the saat phere, and Islamic practices, such as the nikah, reflecting mutual respect and adherence to both traditions. The couple has now been married for over six decades, maintaining these shared customs.
Legacy in Bollywood
Beyond family and traditions, Salim Khan is celebrated as one half of the legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, known for classics like Sholay, Zanjeer, and Deewaar. His candid discussions about family life, religion, and cultural practices offer insights into the values that shaped not only his household but also the upbringing of his children, including Salman Khan, who remains one of Bollywood’s most prominent stars.
( Originally published on Aug 31, 2025 )
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