CommunalHarmony – Salim Khan Reflects on Faith and Unity in India

CommunalHarmony –  Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan once spoke candidly about religious stereotypes and the importance of mutual respect in India’s diverse society, urging people not to judge an entire community by the actions of a few.

Speaking Out Against Generalisation

In an earlier interaction with Lehrein TV, Salim Khan addressed the tendency to associate the Muslim community with acts of extremism. He stressed that such sweeping assumptions are both unfair and damaging. According to him, branding every Muslim as anti-national or violent ignores the reality that countless members of the community reject terrorism and uphold peaceful coexistence.

Khan pointed out that many Muslims hold deep respect for Hindu beliefs and traditions. He underlined that several individuals have publicly condemned acts of terror and continue to advocate for harmony. His remarks were rooted in a broader appeal for balanced thinking and responsible discourse, particularly at a time when communal narratives often dominate public debate.

Faith and Festivities at Home

Khan also shared personal insights from his own household to illustrate how interfaith respect can thrive within families. The tradition of celebrating Ganesh Chaturthi, he explained, was introduced by his wife, Salma Khan, who was born Susheela Charak in a Maharashtrian family. The festival had long been observed in her maternal home, and after marriage, the practice continued within the Khan household.

He noted that faith, for him, has never been about rigid boundaries. Participating in celebrations or allowing others to express devotion does not weaken one’s own beliefs, he suggested. Instead, it strengthens bonds and nurtures understanding.

Career Milestones and Public Scrutiny

Reflecting on his early years, Khan recalled that he was not widely recognised in the film industry at the time of his marriage. It was only after the release of the 1973 film Zanjeer that his career witnessed a significant breakthrough. The success of Zanjeer established him as a prominent writer and reshaped his professional journey.

As his reputation grew, and later as his sons Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan rose to prominence in Hindi cinema, the family increasingly found itself under media attention. With greater visibility came closer scrutiny of their personal lives, including their participation in religious celebrations.

Khan acknowledged that once the family became well known, even private traditions turned into public conversations. However, he expressed gratitude for the recognition and the opportunities that came with it, describing his success as a blessing.

Media Coverage and a Message of Unity

Rather than distancing himself from public attention during Ganesh festivities, Khan said he saw value in allowing media coverage. He believed such visibility offered an opportunity to convey a simple yet powerful message: that cultural exchange and shared celebrations can bring communities closer.

For him, the act of participating in rituals like applying a tilak during aarti was not a contradiction of faith. He questioned where it was written that a Muslim could not respectfully take part in a Hindu custom when done in goodwill. In his view, gestures of participation symbolise mutual respect rather than religious compromise.

Khan further mentioned that members of his staff also celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi. When they perform aarti, he does not object to receiving a tilak, as he sees no conflict between his Islamic identity and acknowledging another tradition with courtesy.

A Broader Perspective on Coexistence

Through his remarks, Khan conveyed a broader argument about India’s pluralistic fabric. He maintained that religious identity should not be used to divide people or create suspicion. Instead, everyday acts of shared celebration can reinforce social cohesion.

At a time when conversations about religion often generate polarised reactions, his comments serve as a reminder that coexistence has long been part of many Indian households. By sharing his personal experience, Khan highlighted that respect across faiths is not merely a public stance but a lived reality for numerous families.