Salman Khan's Selfless Act: When He Charged Just ₹1 for a Role That Shook Bollywood | Bollywood
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Bollywood superstar Salman Khan is known for breaking box office records with his films, raking in over ₹100 crore per movie. However, in 2004, he made a surprising decision that showcased his commitment to raising awareness about HIV/AIDS. Salman charged a mere ₹1 for his role in the film Phir Milenge, which tackled a sensitive subject that many in the industry were hesitant to touch. The film's producer, Shailendra Singh, revealed this lesser-known fact on the occasion of Salman's 60th birthday (December 27). Singh recalled how Salman's role in Phir Milenge was initially rejected by several leading actors due to the film's tragic storyline and lack of commercial appeal. However, Salman saw the importance of creating awareness about HIV/AIDS, particularly among the Indian youth. In the film, Salman played the role of Rohit, a man living with HIV, who ultimately dies. Despite his fans being unhappy with the ending, the film's message reached a wide audience, and it became one of the earliest mainstream Hindi films to address the social stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS in India. Phir Milenge, directed by Revathi and produced by Mukesh Udeshi and Shailendra Singh, also starred Shilpa Shetty and Abhishek Bachchan in pivotal roles. Although the film was a commercial failure, earning only ₹5.43 crore against a budget of ₹5.50 crore, it left a lasting impact on the audience. Salman's decision to charge just ₹1 for the film's role is a testament to his commitment to creating awareness about important social issues. His selfless act has inspired many, and it remains a reminder that even the biggest stars can make a difference with their quiet yet meaningful choices. In his upcoming film, Battle of Galwan, Salman will be seen in a different light, playing a pivotal role in a historical drama centred around the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese troops. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia, is expected to release in 2026.