When Salman Khan's father Salim Khan opened up on NOT going to Mosque, here's why he STOPPED

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan has recently been in the spotlight after reports about his health raised concern among fans and members of the film fraternity. The legendary writer, who formed one of Bollywood’s most iconic screenwriting partnerships with Javed Akhtar, has been an influential voice in Indian cinema for decades. As conversations about his health circulate, several of his past interviews and public statements are once again drawing attention online, reminding audiences of his candid views on society, faith and cultural harmony.

In one such interview, Salim Khan spoke openly about religion and the growing problem of extremism. During the conversation, he explained why he had gradually stopped going to the mosque. According to him, the reason was not a lack of belief, but discomfort with the attitude of certain people who try to judge others’ faith. Khan said that some individuals begin deciding who qualifies as a “true Muslim” and who does not, something he strongly disagrees with.

While elaborating on his views, Khan brought up the example of legendary playback singer Mohammed Rafi. Rafi, widely regarded as one of the greatest singers in Indian music history, was known for lending his voice to a wide range of songs, including devotional tracks from different religious traditions. Over the years, he sang several Hindu bhajans that became extremely popular among listeners.

Khan pointed out that at one point, some people had criticized Rafi for singing bhajans, questioning whether it was appropriate for a Muslim singer to perform songs associated with another faith. However, Salim Khan dismissed such criticism and presented a thought provoking argument.

He said, “If singing bhajans was really a sin, then Khuda could have stopped Mohammed Rafi or taken away his voice.” He added that instead of being punished, the singer’s voice only became more admired and beloved by audiences across the country.

Opening up on why did he stop going to the mosque, the veteran filmmaker said, ''I stopped going to the mosque. Once during Friday prayers, as I was in town and it was time for the prayer so l directly joined from town and I was wearing a printed Hawaiian shirt which had some floral prints."

''Ek saab ne farmaya, 'aap huzoor zara mere piche aaye, aapke piche meri namaz nahi hogi.' Main piche chala gaya... aise karte-karte jahan mere jhoote rakhe the, wahan aa gaya. Maine jhoote pehne aur ghar aa gaya. Uske baad se main masjid namaz padne nahi gaya,'' he later said.

Ek saab ne farmaya, 'aap huzoor zara mere piche aaye, aapke piche meri namaz nahi hogi.' Main piche chala gaya... aise karte-karte jahan mere jhoote rakhe the, wahan aa gaya. Maine jhoote pehne aur ghar aa gaya. Uske baad se main masjid namaz padne nahi gaya.

- Salim Khan

"Main namaz padta hu... jis din mera dil chahega, us din main chala bhi jaunga. Agar yeh rokenge toh rokh de,'' he cleared.

Through his example of Mohammed Rafi, Khan emphasized a broader message about art, faith and humanity. According to him, music has always had the power to bring people together and should never be restricted by rigid religious boundaries. Rafi’s career, he suggested, is proof that genuine talent and devotion to art transcend narrow definitions of identity.

Main namaz padta hu... jis din mera dil chahega, us din main chala bhi jaunga. Agar yeh rokenge toh rokh de

- Salim Khan

Salim Khan’s remarks continue to resonate even today, especially in times when debates around religion and identity often dominate public discourse. By recalling Mohammed Rafi’s journey, the veteran writer highlighted how creativity and compassion can bridge divides that society sometimes tries to enforce.

For the unversed, the veteran director was hospitalised a few days ago after his health deteriorated. However, he was later discharged once his health improved.