Salman Khan recalls having no work for 6 months after Maine Pyaar Kiya (Image Credits IMDb and Instagram)

Salman Khan may today be counted among Bollywood’s biggest superstars, but his journey to the top was far from straightforward. A video of the actor’s earlier conversation on 'Aap Ki Adalat' has resurfaced on Reddit, in which he recalled a difficult phase following the blockbuster success of 'Maine Pyaar Kiya'. Salman revealed that he struggled to find work for several months after the film, and even credited his father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, with coming up with an unusual strategy that helped revive his career.

Salman Khan recalls having no work after ‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’

'Maine Pyaar Kiya', released in 1989, established Salman Khan as a leading man and became a major turning point in his career. However, according to the actor’s own recollection, the success did not immediately translate into a steady stream of film offers. Speaking on Aap Ki Adalat, Salman said he did not get work for several months after the film’s release. He also recalled how Bhagyashree’s decision to quit acting and get married affected the way the industry perceived him at the time.“Uske baad 4 mahine 6 mahine tak koi kaam nahi mila tha mujhe. Aisa lag raha tha ki kaam milega bhi nahi kyunki Bhagyashree madam ne uss waqt decide kar liya tha ki main ab filmein nahi karungi, main shaadi karungi,” (After that, I didn't get any work for four to six months. It felt like I wouldn't get any work at all because Bhagyashree madam had decided at that time, I will not do films anymore, I am getting married) Salman said.Khan then jokingly suggested that Bhagyashree had walked away with much of the credit for the film’s success, leaving him struggling to establish himself independently.“Aur unhone jaake shaadi kar liya aur poora credit, jo credit hota hai film ka, woh leke bhaag gayi. Aisa laga industry walon ko ki main toh woh thi, yeh toh kuch nahi the,” (And she went ahead and got married, walking away with all the credit for the film's success. People in the industry felt like she was the real star and I was nobody) he added.

How Salim Khan came up with a plan to help his son

With Salman finding it difficult to secure film offers, his father Salim Khan reportedly stepped in with an unconventional idea. Salman recalled that his father contacted filmmaker and producer GP Sippy, with whom he had previously worked, and requested him to make an announcement suggesting that Salman had been signed for a film.“Mere father ne GP Sippy (producer, director) saab ko phone karke bola ki dekho yaar mere bete ke paas koi kaam nahi hai, ek aisi announcement dedo (about signing him). Because unhone bohot kaam kiya tha ek doosre ke saath, toh unhone ek announcement dedi,” (My father called GP Sippy, producer, director saab and said, look, my son has no work, just make a fake announcement about signing him. Because they had worked together a lot, Sippy saab went ahead and made the announcement) Salman recalled.‘GP Sippy signs Salman Khan’: How the fake announcement changed thingsSalman said the announcement appeared in a trade publication, creating buzz around his supposed association with GP Sippy.“Toh ek trade guide ya magazine aata hai, uske andar announcement aagaya ‘GP Sippy signs Salman Khan,’” (So an issue of a trade guide or magazine came out, and inside was the announcement: 'GP Sippy signs Salman Khan, he recalled), he recalled.According to Salman, the news prompted filmmakers and industry professionals to approach him with offers. The strategy essentially helped create fresh momentum around his career at a time when he was struggling to find work.

‘Maine Pyaar Kiya’ became a turning point for Salman Khan

Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, 'Maine Pyaar Kiya' starred Salman Khan and Bhagyashree in the lead roles. The romantic drama became a major success and played a crucial role in establishing Salman as a mainstream Hindi film star.

Salman Khan’s work front

On the work front, Salman Khan has several high-profile projects lined up. He is currently working on his upcoming action entertainer 'SVC63', directed by Vamshi Paidipally and co-starring Nayanthara. The film, produced by Dil Raju, is slated for an Eid 2027 release, with the team currently shooting its major action sequences. Salman is also set to collaborate with filmmaker duo Raj & DK for the first time on an upcoming superhero film. The project is currently in the pre-production stage, with recent reports suggesting that the actor is expected to begin shooting in January 2027 after completing 'SVC63' and his 'Bigg Boss 20' hosting commitments.