Sushmita Sen and Salman Khan are Bollywood’s beloved friends today, but their first encounter on the sets of Biwi No. 1 was far from warm. In fact, it was so chilly that Salman was left scratching his head.
An awkward start on set
The superstar once revealed in an interview that their very first meeting happened when Sushmita had already been waiting for hours. “One day I turn up late on sets, on the first day of shooting, at 11 o’clock. Sushmita Sen was there since 9 o’clock in the morning. So the moment I went to the sets and said ‘Hi Sush’ — that was the first time I was meeting Sush — ‘Hi Sush, how are you? Salman’. And she just shakes my hand, she does ‘huh’ and she walks away,” Salman recalled.
Confused by the cold reception, Salman immediately turned to director David Dhawan and asked, “What’s her problem, man? Why’s she giving me attitude?” The moment could have set the tone for a rocky relationship, but instead it became a funny memory that both stars later laughed about.
Behind the scenes of Biwi No. 1
The awkward moment happened on the first day of shooting for the 1999 comedy Biwi No. 1, which also starred Karisma Kapoor and Tabu. Salman had reportedly kept the entire unit waiting that morning, and Sushmita — known for her punctuality and professionalism — wasn’t impressed. Industry insiders say that while she didn’t create a scene, her quiet dismissal spoke volumes.
Despite the frosty start, the two actors went on to share great on-screen chemistry in the film. Biwi No. 1 became a box-office hit, and Salman and Sushmita later teamed up for Maine Pyaar Kyu Kiya and Tumko Na Bhool Payenge. Their off-screen equation also thawed considerably over time.
A friendship that grew strong
Years later, Salman had nothing but praise for Sushmita. In the same interview, he spoke warmly about her and their bond. The two have been spotted together at parties and events, often hugging and dancing. At one of Salman’s birthday bashes, Sushmita was seen happily grooving with him, proving all was forgiven.
Salman also cheered for her after the release of Aarya 2 and wrote, “Arre wah Sush, how nice you looking ya. Totally killing it. So happy for you.” The love is clearly mutual — Sushmita has often called Salman a dear friend. From a dismissive handshake to a solid friendship, this is one Bollywood story that warms the heart.