Salim Khan and Helen’s Bond: How Daily Drinks Brought Them Closer, Young Salman Distressed Seeing His Mother

Bollywood veteran writer Salim Khan’s second marriage to actress Helen created waves within the family, leaving his children initially upset. Over time, however, the relationships strengthened and Helen became an integral part of the family.

Salman Khan was just 10 years old when his father married Helen. The celebrated actress had a challenging childhood herself; she had to flee Myanmar during the Japanese invasion, while her mother worked as a nurse and the rest of her family stayed in India. Helen began her career as a chorus dancer and later gained fame with a solo dance number in the film Howrah Bridge. She also acted in films, including the iconic 1978 Amitabh Bachchan starrer Don, where she played the role of Kamini. It was during this time that she met Salim Khan.

In a docu-series, Salim Khan recalled how they would meet every evening after film shoot wrap-ups, share conversations, and enjoy drinks together, which gradually brought them closer. The couple eventually married in 1980.

Helen admitted that marrying Salim, who was already married and a father of four, initially caused her guilt. In an interview with Filmfare, she said, “Salim being married troubled me, and I felt guilty at first. But there was something about him that set him apart from others in the industry. I respected him because he tried to help me without exploiting me.”

Salim Khan revealed that his children—Salman, Arbaaz, Sohail, and Alvira—initially opposed the relationship, and even Salma Khan, their mother, didn’t immediately accept it. He explained to the children that while they might not understand now, they would in time. “I love Helen aunty, and though you may love your mother more, I want you to also respect her,” he told them.

Salman Khan, in a 1990 Filmfare interview, recalled how difficult it was for a 10-year-old to see his mother in pain due to his father’s second marriage. “I loved my mother dearly and couldn’t bear to see her sad. Accepting Helen aunty fully took time, but today she is part of our family. We are like a closed fist; if any one of us needs support, the others are always there,” he shared.

Today, Helen is lovingly embraced by the Khan family, and the family remains united and supportive of each other.