For audiences, Salman Khan has always been the larger-than-life superstar who faces every challenge with confidence and strength. But behind the cameras, the actor was quietly going through one of the most difficult periods of his life while shooting for Sikandar.
The film was being shot at a time when Salman was dealing with both emotional and physical hardships. In October 2024, he was left heartbroken by the tragic death of his close friend and veteran politician Baba Siddique. The shocking incident not only deeply affected him emotionally but also brought renewed security concerns into his life. At the same time, the actor was struggling with a painful rib injury that made even simple movements difficult.
Now, his Sikandar co-star Vishal Vashishtha has opened up about witnessing Salman’s condition during the filming process. According to Vishal, the superstar was mentally, emotionally and physically exhausted, yet he continued to show up for work every single day.
Vishal recalled seeing Salman walk slowly onto the sets, visibly in discomfort. Despite the pain, the actor would complete his scenes with full dedication. The moment a shot was finished, he would return for physiotherapy sessions so he could stay mobile enough to continue filming. Since the movie required several action sequences, maintaining his physical fitness was crucial, even though his body was clearly under strain.
What impressed Vishal the most was Salman’s determination. He revealed that everyone on the set knew the actor was going through a lot. The grief of losing a close friend, concerns about personal security and a serious injury would have forced many people to take a break. However, Salman chose to continue working and honour his professional commitments.
The actor further shared that some scenes had to be adjusted because of Salman’s health condition. During the family-oriented sequences, even standing up from a chair or sitting down was reportedly difficult for him. Yet he never allowed those struggles to become an excuse to stop working.
Adding to the pressure was the constant presence of heavy security around him. Following Baba Siddique’s murder, security arrangements around Salman were significantly increased due to ongoing threats against the actor. Living under such intense protection and scrutiny can be mentally exhausting, but Salman continued focusing on his work.
According to Vishal, there was a noticeable improvement in Salman’s physical condition toward the end of the shoot. By the final days, he appeared stronger and more comfortable than he had been during the earlier schedules. This allowed him to complete the demanding portions of the film more effectively.
Baba Siddique’s death remains one of the most painful chapters in Salman’s recent life. The two shared a close friendship that spanned decades, and the loss deeply affected the actor. Friends and colleagues who saw Salman during that period have often spoken about the emotional impact the tragedy had on him.
Despite the personal heartbreak, physical pain and constant security concerns, Salman Khan continued to fulfil his responsibilities as an actor. His determination during the making of Sikandar serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars face difficult moments behind the spotlight.
For fans, Vishal Vashishtha’s revelations offer a rare glimpse into the resilience and professionalism that Salman displayed during one of the toughest phases of his life.
