Salman Khan stood by Bhagyashree when nobody else did, as she decided to marry Himalay Dassani: 'He always had my back'

Salman Khan made his debut with 'Biwi Ho Toh Aisi', but it was Sooraj Barjatya’s 'Maine Pyar Kiya' that turned him into an overnight star. The film also marked the debut of Bhagyashree, who shot to fame alongside him. While working on the blockbuster, Salman and Bhagyashree struck up a close friendship, one that proved to be especially meaningful when she decided to marry her childhood sweetheart, Himalay Dassani. Despite attaining stardom, with 'Maine Pyar Kiya', the actress chose to leave it all and get married to Himalay.In a candid conversation on the YouTube channel BeautybyBiE, Bhagyashree revealed that she was only 19 when she chose marriage over a conventional film career and thus, it was opposed by her parents. Reflecting on that difficult period, she said, “If you know what your priorities are, then it becomes an easier decision. I am not saying it wasn’t tough but I think you get the courage to take that decision.”The actor explained that her love story with Himalay had begun long before cinema came into her life. “See, films came later. I took that decision of marrying him even against my parents wishes. I hold my parents in very high esteem and I think that was probably the only decision that I disobeyed. I listened to every single thing they told me to do,” she recalled.Her wedding, however, was a lonely affair as her family chose not to attend. That’s when Salman stood firmly by her side. Bhagyashree shared, “When I decided to get married, there was no one from my side and Salman was there throughout and he was the last person to leave. That was very sweet, I did not expect that out of him.”Looking back at his personality during those days, she fondly added, “I would say he was a very naughty boy but he was very lovable, he was a friend’s friend. For me, Salman would be someone that always had my back. He was very protective.”