Salman Khan’s dad Salim Khan recalls ‘saat phere’ with wife Sushila Charak before nikaah: ‘Her father said my religion was the only problem’

Salim Khan’s father-in-law raised objection to his religion

Salim revealed that when he wanted to marry Sushila, his own family had “no objection to their union.” However, some relatives of Sushila’s family expressed disappointment because it was an inter-faith marriage. He said, “My family had no objection to my marriage. She had no problem. There was some objection from one of her family members because I was from a different religion.” He added, “Yes, inter-religious weddings were not favoured, though!”

Salim admitted that Sushila’s father had openly said that while he liked Salim Khan’s family, his concern was religion. Salim reassured him and gained his confidence. “My father-in-law, a dentist, had investigated my background when the matter of my wedding came about and respected the fact that I came from a good family and was well-educated. He candidly told me that my religion was his only objection. I assured him that even if we had disagreements or fights, my wife and I would certainly not have them because of our religions! We have been wedded now for 60 years,” he said.

Salim and Sushila tied the knot following rituals of both religions

Once Sushila’s family gave their consent, Salim and Sushila tied the knot by performing rituals from both religions. “My wife had loved the saat phere ritual and had seen her sister as well as cousin follow it. So I myself found a pandit in my locality aur phere lagwa liye.” He added, “We had a nikaah too, which is essentially a ritual that ascertains that you are not marrying under pressure or force.”

No beef in Khan household

Salim also revealed that although beef is commonly eaten in many Muslim families since it is considered cheap, it has never been a part of the Khan household. In India, beef is also a matter of religious contention as cows are considered sacred in Hinduism.

Speaking about this, he said, “From Indore until today, we have never had beef. Beef is eaten by most Muslims as it is the cheapest meat! Some even buy it to feed pet dogs. But in the teachings of prophet Mohammed, he has clearly stated that a cow’s milk is a substitute for mother’s milk and it is a mufid (beneficial) cheez. He has stated that cows should not be killed and beef is forbidden. Prophet Mohammed has adopted good things from every religion. Like eating only halaal meat which was adopted from the Jews, who call it kosher. He has postulated that every religion is good and believes in a Supreme Power like we do.”