Salman Khan’s 60th birthday: From Karan Johar to Kareena kapoor, Bollywood pours in love

Salman Khan marked his 60th birthday on December 27, drawing warm messages from across the Hindi film industry. Among the many wishes, filmmaker Karan Johar’s note stood out for revisiting a key moment from his early career and Salman’s role in it.

Karan Johar shared a throwback picture of Salman Khan on his Instagram Stories and recalled how the actor agreed to be part of his directorial debut Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. He described Salman as a “mega movie star with a golden heart” and expressed lasting gratitude for the decision. Johar has earlier spoken about how several actors declined the role, which required playing second lead to Shah Rukh Khan.

In Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Salman played Aman, Kajol’s fiancé, whose character eventually steps aside so she can reunite with Rahul, played by Shah Rukh Khan. The role was brief but emotionally significant, and Johar has repeatedly credited Salman for lending credibility to his first film as a director.

In his birthday message, Johar wrote, “Happy 60 to this mega movie star with a golden heart! He was in my first film and will always be grateful to him for agreeing to be a part of it… happy Birthday @beingsalmankhan.” The post quickly caught attention online, with fans revisiting Aman’s arc from the 1998 film.

Actor Rashmika Mandanna also shared a birthday message for Salman Khan. Posting a casual photograph on her Instagram Stories, she wrote, “Happiest birthday to you, @beingsalmankhan. Full, full party todayyyy!” The message added to the growing list of industry wishes through the day.

Salman Khan celebrated his birthday with a gathering at his Panvel farmhouse on December 26 night. Several close friends and colleagues attended the celebration. Actor Sanjay Dutt, who was present at the bash, shared a photo from the evening and posted a message for the birthday star.

Sanjay Dutt wrote, “Bhaijaan, happy birthday and love you. God bless you, may God give you health and success.” The two actors share a long personal and professional bond, having worked together in several films over the years.

Kareena Kapoor Khan took a nostalgic route while wishing Salman. She posted a monochrome photograph from his younger days and wrote, “Happy Birthday to the one and only Tiger. 60 years strong. Love you lots always.” The post drew reactions from fans who associated the actor with his early screen image.

Kajol, who shared screen space with Salman in Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, also wished him via Instagram Stories. She wrote, “Wishing the one and only a very happy birthday.” Kriti Sanon added her message by sharing a dancing picture with Salman from one of their public appearances.

From the southern film industry, megastar Chiranjeevi shared a detailed birthday note, referring to Salman as his brother. Posting on social media, he wrote, “Happy 60th birthday to my beloved brother @BeingSalmanKhan Sallu bhai, on this special milestone, I want to share my heartfelt wishes with you. May this year bring you endless joy, good health, and all the love you truly deserve. (sic)”

Chiranjeevi further added, “You have always been an inspiration, not just to millions on screen, but also to those of us who are fortunate to call you a friend Here’s to many more years of happiness and success. Enjoy your special day.” Salman had earlier made a cameo appearance as Masoom Bhai in Chiranjeevi’s 2022 film GodFather.

Family members were also seen arriving together at the farmhouse. Salim Khan and Salma Khan attended, along with Arpita Khan Sharma, Aayush Sharma, and their children Ahil and Ayat. Arbaaz Khan arrived with his wife Shazahn Padamsee and their newborn daughter Sipaara, while Sohail Khan’s elder son Nirvaan and Arbaaz’s son Arhaan were also present.

The guest list included Randeep Hooda and Lin Laishram, Genelia Deshmukh with her sons, MS Dhoni and Sakshi Dhoni, Tabu, Huma Qureshi, Ramesh Taurani, Nikhil Dwivedi, and Mahesh Manjrekar.

On the work front, Salman Khan is currently shooting for Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film is based on India’s Most Fearless 3 and revisits the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The project is scheduled for an Eid 2026 theatrical release.