Salim Khan – the ninety-year-old, well-known screenwriter – was taken to intensive care at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai very early Tuesday morning. Members of his family, along with good friends, quickly went to the hospital; those at the hospital confirmed he’s being watched very closely, and doctors of various types are looking after him.
Family members arrive at Lilavati Hospital
Salman Khan came to the hospital, with his mother, Salma Khan, and remained to see how his father was doing. Producer Arbaaz Khan visited with his wife, and his daughters Alvira and Arpita were also there to help and be with him. The younger people in the family also visited: Arbaaz’s son, Arhaan, and Sohail Khan’s son, Nirvaan. Well-known actress Helen was one of the first to arrive, showing her respect and greeting the family in the hospital hallways. A number of other relations and close friends of the family were seen going in and out during the day, making a constant stream of people who came to find out about the veteran screenwriter’s health.
Industry colleagues and longtime friends check in
In the evening, friends of long standing from the movie world came to the hospital to see Salim Khan. Actor Sanjay Dutt was seen going into the hospital, and spent a half hour with the family before going. Javed Akhtar – the older writer, and Salim Khan’s former partner when they wrote together as Salim-Javed – also went to the hospital. The two of them, working together, changed the way stories were told in Indian films, and Akhtar’s visit showed how strong their professional and personal connection was. It was reported that several others from the film world had also stopped by, to give support, and to repeat the family’s wish for privacy, as well as to say they hoped the screenwriter would get better.
Official medical update and care team
Lilavati Hospital released a statement through Dr. Jalil Parkar, saying Salim Khan was brought to emergency at 8:30 in the morning, and then put in the ICU. The hospital said he is stable and is being closely examined by doctors. A team of doctors with training in several areas – including neurology, cardiology and neurosurgery – are treating him. The doctors mentioned in the hospital statement show how the care is organised for an older patient who has complicated health needs. The hospital also said a formal press meeting is planned for Wednesday, February 18, if the family agrees. They stressed that the patient’s private details will be kept completely secret when they share more information.
Legacy, public concern, and the path ahead
Salim Khan is thought of as a very important person in screenwriting, especially for his work with Javed Akhtar which produced famous films like Sholay, Deewaar and Zanjeer. His work helped to create the kind of stories a whole generation knew, and made characters which are still well known in the culture. People who like his work, and his friends, have shown they are worried on the internet and in private messages; the family have asked to be left alone while the doctors deal with his treatment. The hospital statement and the specialist doctors give an official way to get updates, and the public can expect more information after the press meeting that’s planned. At the moment, the main thing is Salim Khan’s immediate medical care, and the people who are supporting him at Lilavati Hospital. The visits by family and people in the film world show both how much influence he has had, and how much the community want him to get well soon.
