When Salman Khan refused to kiss Bhagyashree, rejected photographer’s ‘just one shot’ request

Bhagyashree, mainly known for her role in Salman Khan starrer ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, once opened up about an early career incident that deeply impacted her. During their first film’s publicity shoot, a renowned photographer suggested that Salman should kiss her, ignoring the need to ask for her consent. Salman, however, stood firm on respecting her choice, a gesture that was uncommon in the industry at that time.


The photographer’s demand


In a 2015 interview with Rediff, Bhagyashree recalled, “There was a prominent photographer at that time — I don’t want to name him. He had come to do a publicity shoot and wanted some of those hot, sizzling pictures. We were shooting in a hotel; I think it was Holiday Inn or Sun N Sand (both in Juhu, Mumbai)". She continued, “That photographer was telling Salman to kiss me without my knowledge and how to hold me during the shoot and stuff. Both of them couldn’t see me and didn’t know I was listening."



Salman Khan’s stand on consent

Salman surprised everyone by refusing to follow the photographer’s direction. Bhagyashree shared, “Salman asked the photographer, ‘Have you asked her?’ He replied, ‘No. What is the need of asking her? You do it; after all, it is just one shot.’ Salman said, ‘I am not going to do anything like that. You take her permission; if she says it is okay, only then will I do it.’"


Professionalism and respect


In a 2015 interview, Bhagyashree said that Salman was always professional and respectful from the very beginning. They became one of Bollywood’s most popular on-screen couples with their first movie, Sooraj Barjatya’s 1989 hit ‘Maine Pyar Kiya’, which started their acting careers.


Personal life: Marriage


The actress tied the knot with Himalaya Dasani at the age of 19. On her special day, the only people from her side who attended were Salman Khan and Sooraj Barjatya. Talking on another interview with Rediff, she said, “At our wedding, only Salman Khan and Soorajji’s family attended from my side. My parents were not talking to me and did not attend." She also shared, “They felt I was too young (to get married) and I don’t blame them."