Bollywood’s Iconic Superstar Reveals Serious Health Challenges on The Great Indian Kapil Show and Continues to Dominate with Rashmika Mandanna in Sikandar
Table of Contents
At 59, Bollywood megastar Salman Khan remains an indomitable force, both on-screen and in life. On June 21, 2025, as the first guest on the new season of The Great Indian Kapil Show on Netflix, Salman opened up about battling multiple serious health conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, a brain aneurysm, and an arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Despite fractured ribs and these life-threatening neurological disorders, he declared, “I’m still carrying on,” showcasing his resilience. Amidst this, Salman’s latest project, Sikandar, co-starring Rashmika Mandanna, continues to generate buzz, reinforcing his enduring legacy in Indian cinema. This blog explores Salman’s health struggles, his professional grit, and his pivotal role alongside Rashmika in the action-packed Sikandar.
Salman Khan’s Health Revelations: A Shocking Disclosure
The Kapil Sharma Show Moment
During a candid conversation with host Kapil Sharma, Salman responded to a question about marriage, humorously linking it to his financial concerns and health battles. “Hum ye jo daily ki haddiyan tudwa rahe hain, pasliyan toot gai, trigeminal neuralgia ke sath kaam kar rahe hain, aneurysm hai brain mein uske bawajood kaam kar rahe hain. AV malformation hai, uske bawajood chal rahe hain,” he said, translating to: “I’m out here breaking my bones every day—ribs are fractured, I’m working despite having trigeminal neuralgia, there’s an aneurysm in the brain, yet I’m still working. There’s also an AV malformation, and still, I’m carrying on.” He added, “All of this is going on in my life. Aur jahan unka mood satka, woh aadha humara leke chala gaya,” reflecting on the fear of losing half his wealth in a divorce at this stage.
Understanding Salman’s Health Conditions
Salman’s disclosures highlight three severe neurological and physical conditions:
- Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN): Known as the “suicide disease” due to its excruciating facial pain, TN affects the trigeminal nerve, responsible for facial sensation. Everyday actions like chewing, brushing teeth, or even a breeze can trigger electric-shock-like pain. Salman first revealed his TN diagnosis in 2017 during a Tubelight promotional event in Dubai, noting he underwent surgery in the U.S. in 2011, which provided partial relief. The condition remains chronic, requiring ongoing management.
- Brain Aneurysm: A cerebral aneurysm is a weakened, bulging area in a brain blood vessel, often asymptomatic until it ruptures, potentially causing a hemorrhagic stroke—a life-threatening condition. Symptoms, if present, include severe headaches, nausea, blurred vision, or confusion. Salman’s aneurysm, located at the base of the skull (common per Cleveland Clinic), poses a constant risk, yet he continues high-intensity work. Diagnosis typically involves CT scans or MRIs.
- Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): A rare condition, AVM is an abnormal tangle of blood vessels where arteries connect directly to veins without capillaries, disrupting blood flow and oxygen delivery. Found in the brain or spine, AVMs can cause seizures, headaches, or neurological deficits and may lead to brain hemorrhage if untreated. Salman’s AVM, combined with his aneurysm, elevates his risk profile significantly.
Dr. Narander Singla, a consultant at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, emphasized the gravity: “Both a brain aneurysm and an AVM pose significant health risks like hemorrhagic stroke or neurological complications if they rupture or bleed.” Dr. Sonal Gupta, Fortis, New Delhi, noted, “Brain AVMs are common in men, brain aneurysms in women,” highlighting Salman’s rare dual diagnosis.
Past Health Struggles
Salman’s health challenges aren’t new. In 2011, he underwent surgery for TN, which he described as debilitating. In 2017, he spoke about TN’s impact during Tubelight promotions, calling it a daily battle. Recent injuries, including fractured ribs from action sequences, add to his physical toll. Posts on X reflect fan concern, with @Breath4Salman urging, “Stop obsessing over box office numbers. He’s given us iconic roles—now just stand by him.”
Salman’s Resilience: Working Through Pain
Defying Medical Odds
Despite these conditions, Salman’s commitment to his craft remains unwavering. He casually remarked on The Great Indian Kapil Show, “I could die on the set,” a stark acknowledgment of his risks. His ability to film high-octane action sequences, host Bigg Boss, and promote projects like Sikandar underscores his grit. Dr. Singla noted, “Most would take medical leave,” highlighting Salman’s extraordinary resolve.
Fan and Industry Support
Salman’s revelations sparked an outpouring of support. X posts like @LycaRadio1458’s, “Wishing him a speedy recovery and continued courage,” reflect fan solidarity. Industry peers, including co-star Rashmika Mandanna, have praised his professionalism. At a Sikandar promotional event, Rashmika said, “Bhai’s energy on set is unmatched, no matter what he’s going through,” per a Filmibeat report. This resilience cements Salman’s status as Bollywood’s “Bhai,” a figure of strength and relatability.
Sikandar: Salman’s Latest Triumph with Rashmika Mandanna
Project Overview
Released on March 2025, Sikandar is a high-octane action thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala. Salman plays Sikandar, a vigilante with a complex past, while Rashmika Mandanna essays a pivotal role as his ally, bringing emotional depth to the narrative. The film, featuring Kajal Aggarwal, Prateik Babbar, and Sathyaraj, has grossed over ₹500 crore worldwide, per trade analysts, solidifying Salman’s box-office dominance. Rashmika reportedly earned ₹5 crore, a reduction from her ₹10 crore for Pushpa 2, sparking speculation about market dynamics. (from prior user query on Rashmika)
Salman and Rashmika’s Chemistry
Sikandar marks Salman’s first collaboration with Rashmika, whose pan-Indian appeal (Pushpa 2, Animal) complements Salman’s mass following. Their on-screen dynamic, blending action and romance, has been a highlight. A viral X post by @SikandarFanClub praised, “Salman’s intensity and Rashmika’s charm make Sikandar a must-watch.” Rashmika’s role, described as “layered” by Murugadoss, showcases her versatility, from intense confrontations to tender moments. Fans on X trend #SalmanRashmika, celebrating their pairing.
Production Challenges
Filming Sikandar tested Salman’s endurance. Action sequences, including a train fight and a Mumbai slum chase, exacerbated his rib injuries. Despite medical advice to rest, Salman completed shoots, often working 12-hour days. Rashmika, in a Pinkvilla interview, recalled, “He’d wince in pain but never complain. His dedication pushed us all.” The film’s success, despite Salman’s health struggles, underscores his star power.
Salman’s Existence in the Film Industry
Box-Office Titan
With a career spanning over three decades, Salman’s films have grossed over ₹10,000 crore globally. Hits like Bajrangi Bhaijaan (₹918 crore), Sultan (₹623 crore), and Tiger 3 (₹466 crore) affirm his unmatched draw. Sikandar’s ₹500 crore haul reinforces his relevance at 59. Posts on X call him “Bollywood’s last superstar,” citing his ability to pull crowds despite health setbacks.
Cultural Icon
Salman’s persona—charismatic, flawed, and resilient—resonates deeply. His Being Human foundation, supporting healthcare and education, enhances his goodwill. His health disclosures humanize him, as @Its_CineHub tweeted, “Bhai, we don’t need films, we need you healthy.” His mentorship of actors like Rashmika, who credits him for on-set guidance, cements his industry influence.
Health Impact on Career
Salman’s conditions require careful management, yet he maintains a packed schedule. Upcoming projects include Tiger vs. Pathaan with Shah Rukh Khan and a potential Bajrangi Bhaijaan 2. Neurologists warn that stress and physical strain could exacerbate his aneurysm or AVM, but Salman’s defiance—echoed in his “I’m still working” mantra—defines his legacy.
Rashmika Mandanna’s Role in Sikandar and Beyond
Rashmika’s Contribution
Rashmika’s performance in Sikandar has earned acclaim, with critics noting her ability to hold her own opposite Salman. Her fee of ₹5 crore, per Siasat, reflects her strategic choice to prioritize high-profile projects over higher paychecks post-Pushpa 2 (₹10 crore). Her emotional scenes, including a confrontation with Salman’s character, are fan-favorites, trending on X as #RashmikaInSikandar.
Upcoming Projects
Rashmika’s slate is robust, including The Girlfriend (2026, Telugu), Cocktail 2 (2026, Hindi), Thama (2026, Hindi with Ayushmann Khurrana), and a Vijay Deverakonda reunion in a Rahul Sankrityan period drama. Her versatility, seen in Sikandar’s action-romance and Kubera’s socio-fantasy (₹4 crore fee), positions her as a pan-Indian powerhouse. (from prior query)
Synergy with Salman
Rashmika’s collaboration with Salman in Sikandar marks a milestone, bridging Bollywood’s veteran and new generations. Her Instagram post, “Working with Bhai was a masterclass in discipline,” garnered 2 million likes, reflecting their mutual respect. Their pairing has sparked calls for a sequel, with fans on X speculating a Sikandar 2.
Salman’s Unyielding Spirit
Salman Khan’s revelations about his brain aneurysm, AVM, and trigeminal neuralgia on The Great Indian Kapil Show underscore his extraordinary courage. At 59, battling conditions that could sideline most, he continues to deliver blockbusters like Sikandar, where his chemistry with Rashmika Mandanna electrifies audiences. As @gangstakki tweeted, “Salman’s life is a fight, yet he shines.” With a net worth of ₹2900 crore, a legacy of iconic roles, and a fanbase spanning generations, Salman remains Bollywood’s heartbeat. His story, intertwined with Rashmika’s rising stardom, is a testament to resilience and reinvention.
What are your thoughts on Salman’s health battle and his Sikandar success with Rashmika? Share in the comments!
