Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, renowned for his charismatic screen presence and philanthropic endeavors, has maintained a high-profile yet often enigmatic romantic life throughout his decades-long career. Despite being one of India's most eligible bachelors, his relationships have consistently captivated public attention, marked by intense passion, media scrutiny, and enduring friendships. His romantic journey offers a fascinating glimpse into the personal world of a megastar, from early loves to long-term partnerships that have shaped his public persona.
One of Salman Khan's earliest known romantic interests was Shaheen Jaffrey, the aunt of actress Kiara Advani. This relationship reportedly predates his rise to stardom, with sources indicating they dated when he was around 19 years old. Though their romance was brief and occurred before his public life, it is often cited as his first significant love.
His first widely publicized relationship was with actress and former Miss India, Sangeeta Bijlani. Their romance blossomed in the late 1980s and early 1990s, becoming one of the most talked-about affairs in Bollywood. The relationship was serious, with reports suggesting that wedding cards were even printed, though the marriage was ultimately called off.
Despite their separation, Salman Khan and Sangeeta Bijlani have maintained a remarkably cordial and lasting friendship. Bijlani is frequently seen at Khan family events, demonstrating a mature bond that has transcended their romantic past. Their enduring camaraderie highlights a unique aspect of Khan's approach to past relationships.
Following his relationship with Bijlani, Salman Khan was reportedly involved with Pakistani-American actress Somy Ali. Their long-term relationship spanned from 1991 to 1999, drawing considerable media attention. Ali has openly discussed their time together, including the reasons for their eventual split.
According to Somy Ali, their relationship ended due to Salman Khan's alleged issues with alcohol and what she described as his "immature behavior." Despite the difficult breakup, Ali has, at times, spoken fondly of their shared history, emphasizing the complexities of their eight-year partnership.
The turn of the millennium brought one of Bollywood's most high-profile and tumultuous relationships between Salman Khan and former Miss World, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. Their romance began on the sets of the film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999 and lasted until 2002.
Their relationship was intensely scrutinized by the media, often making headlines for its passionate highs and dramatic lows. The breakup was particularly acrimonious, with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan publicly alleging physical abuse, which Salman Khan denied. This highly publicized split remains a significant chapter in his romantic history.
After the end of his relationship with Rai, Salman Khan entered into a significant partnership with actress Katrina Kaif. Their romance reportedly began around 2003 and continued until 2010, becoming another beloved celebrity pairing in India. Though they never officially confirmed their relationship, their closeness was widely acknowledged.
Salman Khan played a pivotal role in Katrina Kaif's early career, helping her establish herself in Bollywood. Even after their romantic involvement ended, they maintained a strong professional and personal friendship, often collaborating on films and appearing together publicly. Their enduring bond has been a testament to their mutual respect.
In recent years, Salman Khan has been consistently linked to Romanian television presenter and singer Iulia Vantur. Their association reportedly began around 2011, with rumors of a romantic relationship gaining traction since 2016. While neither has officially confirmed their status, they are frequently seen together at family gatherings and public events.
Iulia Vantur shares a close bond with Salman Khan's family, further fueling speculation about their relationship. Despite the persistent rumors and public appearances, Salman Khan has largely maintained a private stance on his current romantic life, leaving the exact nature of his relationship with Vantur open to interpretation by the media and his fans.
Throughout his romantic journey, Salman Khan's relationships have often been characterized by intense public interest and speculation. From serious commitments that nearly led to marriage to high-profile breakups and enduring friendships, his love life has been as dynamic and captivating as his film career. His consistent bachelor status, despite numerous significant relationships, remains a topic of widespread discussion and fascination among his admirers and the media alike.