Salim Khan on Family’s Long-Standing Food Tradition
Bollywood legend Salim Khan, father of superstar Salman Khan, recently revealed why his family has never consumed beef. Speaking to Free Press Journal, the veteran screenwriter said the decision is rooted in religious teachings and his family’s respect for diverse traditions.
According to Salim Khan, the practice of avoiding beef has been followed by his family since their days in Indore, long before they moved to Mumbai. His comments come at a time when conversations around food habits, faith, and cultural respect often dominate public discourse.
Prophet Mohammed’s Teachings on Cows
Explaining his perspective, Salim Khan said that while many Muslims in India consume beef, his family refrains due to the teachings of Prophet Mohammed.
“From Indore until today, we have never had beef,” he stated. “Beef is eaten by most Muslims as it is the cheapest meat. Some even buy it to feed their pet dogs. But in the teachings of Prophet Mohammed, he has clearly stated that a cow’s milk is a substitute for a mother’s milk and it is a mufid (beneficial) cheez. He has stated that cows should not be killed and that beef is forbidden.”
His remarks highlight how spiritual values guide his family’s choices, despite cultural and dietary norms in wider society.
Respect for All Religions
Salim Khan emphasized that every religion has goodness in its practices. He noted that Prophet Mohammed himself had adopted positive practices from other faiths.
For instance, he pointed out that the idea of consuming only halal meat was influenced by the Jewish tradition of kosher food. “Prophet Mohammed adopted good practices from every religion,” Khan explained. “He stated that every religion is good and that each one believes in a Supreme Power, just as we do.”
By highlighting these shared values, Salim Khan stressed the importance of religious harmony and the need for communities to coexist with mutual respect.
Childhood Influences and Hindu Traditions
Recalling his early years, Salim Khan shared that he grew up in an environment where Hindu customs and festivals were part of daily life. He said these traditions became naturally woven into his upbringing.
This background also explains why the Khan family celebrates Hindu festivals such as Ganesh Chaturthi with devotion and joy. Every year, pictures of Salman Khan and his family welcoming Lord Ganesha draw wide attention on social media, underscoring their inclusive cultural outlook.
Marriage and Family Life
Salim Khan also spoke about his marriage to Salma Khan (born Sushila Charak), which was accepted without objection by his family. The two married in 1964 and went on to have five children: Salman Khan, Arbaaz Khan, Sohail Khan, Alvira Agnihotri, and Arpita Khan.
Later, in 1981, Salim Khan married Helen, the popular Bollywood actor and dancer, further expanding the family. Over the years, the Khan household has become one of the most respected families in the Indian film industry, admired for their unity, cultural inclusivity, and traditions.
Broader Significance of His Remarks
Salim Khan’s statements resonate at a time when food habits and religious identities are subjects of heated debate in India. By citing Prophet Mohammed’s teachings and emphasizing respect for Hindu traditions, he offered a message of unity.
His remarks also reflect how families like the Khans have created a cultural bridge between communities, celebrating both Islamic and Hindu values while remaining deeply rooted in personal beliefs.