On a glamorous Wednesday evening in Mumbai, Bollywood hunk Salman Khan was in the news again not for his movie, but for having attended the 65th birthday party of his ex-girlfriend and close friend Sangeeta Bijlani. The couple who shared a decade-old romantic relationship had shown that some relationships last beyond the passage of time, romance, and even heartache.
Wearing his trademark plain attire, Salman showed up at the party location in a large security retinue accompanied by his legendary personal bodyguard, Shera. The actor, currently under Z+ security due to threats received earlier this year, made a swift and guarded entrance into the venue without stopping to pose for paparazzi. His serious demeanor on arrival was quickly replaced with a warm smile as he interacted with a young fan outside, even posing for a photo before stepping inside.
A Bond That Has Evolved with Time
Salman and Sangeeta’s relationship, which began during the shooting of a commercial in the late ’80s, was once the talk of the town. The couple had even come close to tying the knot. In a heartfelt confession about her appearance on Indian Idol in 2024, Sangeeta confessed that their wedding day had been planned and invitations had been sent out, but Salman cancelled the wedding at the last minute.
She also talked about the limitations she had in their relationship, especially on how she would dress. “Jo the na, mere ex. I won’t take the name. I was very constricted… you can’t wear short dresses, the neck can’t look so deep, the dress can’t be shorter than this particular length,” Sangeeta had shared. Reflecting on her evolution, she added, “Now, I am nothing like it. I am a total gundi. I am not afraid anymore. I would like to change that part of my life. But, anyway, I changed that. I am who I am now.”
Despite the ups and downs, the duo has always remained on cordial terms. Together, they’ve been spotted over the years at different family gatherings, holiday events, and celebrity events, much to the nostalgia of fans about their past and gratitude for their matured friendship.
The Starry Birthday Bash
It was held in Mumbai and was a low-key but star-studded celebration. Among the notable guests was television actor Arjun Bijlani, who shared pictures from the celebration on his Instagram. In one of the photos, Salman, Sangeeta, Arjun, and Arjun’s wife, Neha Swami, posed together, exuding warmth and camaraderie.
Arjun’s caption read, “Happiest birthday, @sangeetabijlani9… Such a sweet soul. I believe Bijlanis are unique. The day just became more lovely with @beingsalmankhan. Lots of love, Bhai!!! Wifey, you look beautiful as ever!!
Sangeeta, who wore a blindingly bright gold mini skirt and a white top, was absolutely stunning, and one could not help but heap praise upon her for her ageless beauty and elegance. Fans were quick to flood social media with comments like, “Stunningly beautiful for 65,” and “She has always been stunning.” Many couldn’t believe that the actress, who once ruled the silver screen with her charm, is now 65.
A Flashback to the Past
After their split, Sangeeta went on to marry former Indian cricket captain Mohammad Azharuddin in 1996, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2019. Despite both moving on in their personal lives, Salman and Sangeeta have remained closely connected.
Their friendship stands as a rare example in the world of glamour, one where maturity, mutual respect, and a shared past have given rise to a lifelong bond. Salman, who usually keeps his private affairs under wraps, has often been seen extending warmth to Sangeeta, suggesting their connection is far deeper than what the public eye catches.
What’s Next for Salman Khan?
Professionally, Salman Khan is all set to star in Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The movie, which is said to be based on the India-China conflict, is set to be a major departure from his typical commercial entertainers.
But on such evenings, when nostalgia, camaraderie, and stardom meet, it is a reminder that beneath the action-hero image is a man who cherishes his past and the people in it.
As the night ended and Salman exited the venue under tight security, briefly interrupted by an overenthusiastic fan who tried to get too close, it was clear that his presence at the birthday bash wasn’t just about showing up. It was about showing respect, celebrating a lasting bond, and perhaps, silently acknowledging a chapter of his life that once meant everything.