Salim Khan recalls renting a room for Rs 55 and facing financial struggles even after marrying Salma Khan

Salim Khan and Javed Akhtar are one of the most celebrated writer duo of Bollywood. Together, they have delivered around 22 hit movies during the time of 90s. While their bond was hailed for the brilliance they get on-screen, they unfortunately parted ways. In Prime Video’s latest series Angry Young Men, their personal and professional struggles are beautifully highlighted. While many are aware about their golden period, Salim Khan opened up about the time he rented a room for Rs 55 and faced financial struggles even after marriage to Salma Khan.

Salim Khan recalls renting a room for Rs 55

In one of the episodes of Angry Young Men, Khan revealed that he lived at the Marina Guest House on Marine Drive, and would pay Rs 55 as rent for half a room. “My first ambition was to rent the entire room for Rs 110, but that wish was never fulfilled,” he rued.

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Leaving his comfortable life in Indore behind, Salim faced significant challenges in Mumbai. “I had no choice,” he reflected. “When I was leaving for Mumbai, my eldest brother told me this is not required, you’ll come running back. We had a comfortable lifestyle back in Indore, but I didn’t want to ask for money from home, so I struggled.”

Salim Khan on financial struggles after marriage with Salma Khan

This was the same time when the veteran screenwriter met the love of his life, Salma Khan, who was just 17 years old. Salim Khan, then 24, recalled that Salma used to live at Mahim’s Regi House building, and “it started with us exchanging glances… We used to meet in the evening in the nearby lanes.” However, the family of the lady soon started to pressure her to either marry Salim or settle with someone they’d arrange.The writer also opened up about the financial difficulties he faced during this period. “Thodi si paiso ya job ki pareshaani toh hoti hi hai- ki kya hoga kaise hoga? (There were always concerns about money or job security— how would things work out)” Salim admitted. “Since I needed money, I accepted anything. I did cigarette ads, clothing ads, whatever came my way.”

Salim Khan on marrying Salma Khan

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Despite his early struggles in acting, Salim Khan realised his true calling was behind the scenes. “I could explain a character to actors like Dilip Kumar or Amitabh Bachchan, but I couldn’t perform myself. I had the art of narration and conceiving, but I lacked the art of projection,” he confessed.

Salim and Salma got married in 1964, while he tied the knot again in 1981 with Helen. He and Salma are parents to Salman Khan, Sohail Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Alvira Agnihotri and Arpita Khan.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Arbaaz Khan on mother Salma Khan’s relationship with stepmom Helen: They had their own struggles