Salim Khan was a prominent Bollywood writer at the peak of his career when he decided to marry Helen, his second wife. However, his family didn’t warmly receive this decision as he already had four children from his first marriage to Salma Khan. In an earlier interview with DNA, he mentioned, “I’m fortunate to have two wives who live harmoniously. It doesn’t matter that it happened a few years later. Both my wives are beautiful and aging gracefully.”
Salim’s sons, Salman and Arbaaz, have spoken about their father’s decision to marry Helen and its impact on their family. In a 1990 interview with Filmfare, Salman expressed, “My mom’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I can’t say why, I don’t think explanations are needed. We get along very well because basically, I’m a mama’s boy. I can’t bear to see her unhappy. She was very hurt when my father married again, I’d hate it when she’d wait up for him to come home.” Salman also mentioned that their father reassured them that he would always be present for them despite the marriage. It took time, but the family eventually came together. “Dad explained to us that he still loved mom and that he’ll always be around. I was about 10 at that time and it took us quite some time to really accept Helen aunty. Today she’s a part of our family.”
Arbaaz, in an interview with ETimes, discussed the shift in their family dynamics. He revealed his father’s advice: “He told us not to love Helen like our mother Salma but to respect her as a family member. ‘Show her the same respect because she’s a part of my life,’ he said.”
Salim, speaking to DNA, disclosed the initial hostility from his children’s side and even from his wife Salma towards his relationship with Helen. “As kids, they were resentful, mirroring their mother’s feelings. Salma didn’t readily accept the relationship. It wasn’t as if she welcomed it with open arms,” he admitted.
The family went through a challenging period, but with time, they learned to accept and respect Helen as part of their lives.