Helen brokered peace

Helen brokered peace

The dance diva called Salim Khan when Vivek Oberoi went to visit Salman's mother in hospital

Ram Kamal Mukherjee

The soured relationship between Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi took its first little step forward after Vivek and Aishwarya Rai broke up with each other. The first olive branch was held out by Salman's camp, which sent out a feeler to Vivek saying that since the 'panvati' (ill omen, namely Ash) had gone out of his life, his career would look up.

Vivek took the next stride forward when he visited Salman Khan's mother Salma at Lilavati Hospital the day before yesterday. Vivek didn't inform anyone from Salman Khan's family that he'd be calling on Salma. It was by chance that Salman's step-mother Helen was present at the hospital during Vivek's visit. On seeing Vivek, with his parents, she called up Salim and informed him.

"Salim uncle was surprised when he heard that Vivek had come to meet Salma aunty," says our source. "He called Suresh Oberoi immediately and said, 'Since you have taken the effort to come to the hospital, please come to my house too'."

Salma hugged Vivek before he left, Helen was happy to see Vivek too. "Helen aunty is very fond of Vivek and wanted the animosity between Salman and Vivek to end," says our source.

At Salim's request, Suresh Oberoi paid old friend Salim Khan a visit at his Bandra residence, and took Vivek along. Vivek sat in Salman's living room, sipping a sherbet, while Salim chatted with him and his parents, Suresh and Yashodhara for almost an hour. Vivek was mostly quiet, answering only when spoken to.

Salim was happy that Vivek has taken a big step towards healing his relationship with Salman. "Salim uncle spoke about the trauma which the family is going through," reveals our source. "Suresh uncle too felt that Salman has been targetted by the law because of his celebrity status."

"They also discussed the 'press conference' which had spoilt the relationship between Salman and Vivek," he continues. (Vivek had called a press conference alleging that Salman had made abusive calls to him, during his relationship with Ash). "Salim uncle said that he was happy to see Vivek doing well in his life and career. Vivek touched Salim uncle's feet before leaving."

"Vivek has nothing against Salman, whatever he did during that time was for Ash," says a close associate of Vivek. Salman didn't react to Vivek's press conference or even to the statements Ash made in the press.

In a recent interview to an electronic channel, Salman's brother Sohail spoke about Ash for the first time. He said, "Why is my bhai always targetted? Even when his ex-girlfriend (he refused to take Ash's name) made statements against my brother, he kept his cool. He respects women and his relationships."

Apparently Helen has already informed Salman about Vivek's visit. Salman is obviously touched at the gesture.

The chance of a friendly meeting between Sallu and Vivek seems possible in the near future. Will that lead to them working together too?

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