“He Was Like a Little Brother”: Shehzad Khan Recalls Ajit Khan and Salim Khan Bond
Actor Shehzad Khan shares emotional stories about his father Ajit Khan's deep friendship with legendary screenwriter Salim Khan.
Long before the names Ajit Khan and Salim Khan became legendary pillars of the Hindi film industry, a deep personal connection was forged between two families. For actor Shehzad Khan, this bond is not just a piece of industry trivia, but a cherished family history that shaped his own life.
In a recent heartfelt conversation, Shehzad Khan opened up about the profound relationship his father, the iconic actor Ajit Khan, shared with the celebrated screenwriter Salim Khan. The connection went far beyond professional respect; it was a brotherhood built on support and hospitality.
A Lifeline in Bombay
Shehzad revealed that it was his father who played a pivotal role in Salim Khan's early journey in the film capital. When Salim Khan first arrived in Bombay to chase his dreams of working in cinema, it was Ajit Khan who provided the foundation he needed.
“My father was the person who brought Uncle Salim to Bombay,” Shehzad recalled. “Yes, my father brought Uncle Salim to Bombay and kept him in his house, like a little brother.”
This act of kindness established a lifelong pact. Shehzad shared that before his father passed away, Ajit Khan left him with a specific piece of advice regarding this bond. The legendary actor told his son that if he ever found himself in a difficult situation in life, he should not look elsewhere.
“If you ever have any problem, then don’t go to anyone; go to Salim,” Shehzad remembered his father saying. He also noted that the support was mutual, mentioning that Salim Khan stood by his father throughout his career.
From Villains to Comedy: A Father's Reaction
While the bond with Salim Khan was one of deep trust, Shehzad's own career path led to some humorous, albeit slightly frustrating, moments with his father. Ajit Khan, born Hamid Ali Khan, was famous for his menacing and serious villainous roles, a reputation he spent decades cultivating.
Shehzad made his debut in 1988 with Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak, but it was his turn toward comedy that caught his father off guard. Specifically, his role as the memorable character Bhalla in the cult classic Andaz Apna Apna left the veteran actor somewhat bewildered.
“My father said that whatever you have done, don’t do it again,” Shehzad laughed, recalling his father's reaction to Andaz Apna Apna. “He said, I have worked so hard for so many years and made a serious image of myself. You have made that into a complete comedy.”
Despite his father's initial reservations about the shift in genre, Shehzad found his niche. Beyond his iconic comedic roles, he also explored negative characters and gained massive popularity on television through the beloved children's series Shaka Laka Boom Boom, where he played the character Tiger.
Shehzad's filmography remains diverse, including notable appearances in:
- Barsaat
- The Legend of Bhagat Singh
- Bade Miyan Chote Miyan