Happy Birthday Salman Khan: Rubina Dilaik to Shehnaaz Gill, times when the Bigg Boss host acted as a friend and mentor to these contestants

It is Salman Khan’s birthday today (December 27). The actor is currently hosting the controversial reality show Bigg Boss and it has been more than a decade of him being a part of it. Over the years, Salman has charmed all with his style statements, and also his bond with the contestants is loved by fans. There’s a reason why fans love him and continue to pour their love for Salman as a host of the show for years now. Here’s taking a look at times when Salman went beyond just being a host of the show and became certain contestants’ friend, philosopher and guide. He scolds them when required but also makes a lifetime bond with them.

The Bigg Boss 14 title winner had opened up about her suicidal thoughts in the reality show. In one of the Weekend Ka Vaar episodes, Rubina spoke on National TV and Salman Khan saying: “My relationships with my parents were not that great. I had temper issues, I had suicidal tendencies, relationship tootne ka bhi yahi reason tha (I was exactly like this, eight years ago. I had temper issues and also had suicidal tendencies. Problems in my relationship were also because of it).” Salman Khan advised her to have a positive approach towards life saying, “Life is beautiful, you should enjoy it.”

In season 14, Aly Goni had a major breakdown after Jasmin Bhasin’s eviction. Aly had initially entered the house as Jasmin’s support and went on to become more popular. Aly Goni lost control and started crying inconsolably. He cried his heart out and kept requesting Salman to let him leave the show with Jasmin. He cried so much that he got an asthma attack. Jasmin requested one of the housemates to get his pump. Seeing Aly’s situation, Salman was also in tears and asked Aly to breathe and stay strong.

Popular singer Rahul Vaidya and Jaan Kumar Sanu (Kumar Sanu’s son) had entered Bigg Boss 14 as contestants. Rahul sparked debate by calling him a product of nepotism. Salman questioned Rahul for his statements and explained that he was in the wrong and shouldn't have used those words. Salman explained to Rahul that if a parent does something for their children, it cannot be labelled as nepotism. He further added that if Jaan had become a singer because of nepotism, he would have been more successful than Rahul. Salman also questioned Rahul by asking him if his children decide to pursue singing as a profession, would he call that nepotism? Salman took a firm stand on the nepotism debate and called it unfair. He also says that no one in the industry can force anything on their kids.

Salman Khan played a major role in Rashami Desai’s relationship with Arhaan Khan back in BB13. He revealed to Rashami that Arhaan is married and also has a child. He said that he is bringing up this topic as he has known Rashami for a long time, and doesn't want to see her in any trouble. When Rashami broke down after this, he even stepped in the house to console a crying Rashami and warned Arhaan of not hurting her. Whether it is about the house keys, or her game, Salman personally mentored Rashami all through the show.

There was a time when Shehnaaz Gill had become extremely obsessed with Sidharth Shukla in the Bigg Boss 13 house. While Salman had been a guiding force for the Punjabi singer in the house, he lost control when Shehnaaz started slapping and hurting herself after her fight with Sidharth Shukla. He bashed her, but later when she apologized, he also made her understand things like a big brother would have and asked her not to repeat the actions. In one of the episodes, Salman praised Shehnaaz saying that she is a talented girl and can do well in life. Not only this, but he also warned her to not get into any trouble or mess.

This time, Salman revealed about Paras Chhabra's girlfriend and relationship outside the house. He did so to warn Mahira Sharma, and also said that their growing closeness is not looking good on-screen. Paras tried to argue with Salman, but Mahira confessed that she is already aware of everything. Salman clarified himself saying that he just cared for her and did not want her to be blindfolded. He brought the topic so that Mahira doesn’t think of her decision as a mistake later upon knowing the truth.

Arti was considered to be the weakest contestant by other housemates in Season 14 and many even nominated her for the same reason. While initially, she broke down, with Salman's support, she stood up on her own and played the game independently. Salman became a big support for Arti after her panic attack. Salman praised Arti saying that she is the only one playing the game rightly and with dignity.

While many considered Simba Nagapl to be doing nothing in the game, it was Salman Khan, who sang praises for him. He told Simba, "tum dignity se chal rahe ho, aur sajjan tareeke se chal rahe ho" (Simba, you're moving ahead with dignity and you're moving ahead well). Salman time and again would laud him for being himself in the show. Salman boosted his confidence by saying, "Simba neither shows aggression nor says anything much, only when needed. But he is one of the prominent people inside the house. He might be seen eating or sleeping, but despite that he is the most talked about contestant. And his fan following has raised massively because he is being his real self. Simba doesn't shout much but he takes a stand for himself and you should learn something from him.”