Veteran actor Mukesh Rishi, known for his roles as a formidable villain in numerous Bollywood films, recently shared insights into his bond with superstar Salman Khan, challenging perceptions about the actor's personality. In a recent interview, Rishi fondly recalled his experiences working with Salman, particularly during the filming of the 1997 hit comedy, Judwaa. He emphasized Salman's warm and sociable nature, describing him as "a Punjabi at heart" who enjoys being around people.
Rishi recounted that during the Judwaa shoot, Salman, despite his rising stardom, never isolated himself. "Salman is not the kind of guy who chills alone," Rishi stated. "If it's a room or lobby or anywhere, he likes to chill with people. He is completely like a Punjabi in that respect. Staying together, being with friends.” He reminisced about how, after wrapping up for the day, the cast and crew, including Salman, would often make plans to dine out or visit a pub in Bangalore, where they were shooting for Bandhan.
Adding a personal anecdote, Rishi shared an incident where his son was at a restaurant, and Sohail Khan, Salman's brother, upon learning of his presence, generously paid the entire bill. This, according to Rishi, exemplifies the Khan family's generosity and strong sense of camaraderie.
Rishi also addressed the rumors surrounding Salman's supposed moodiness on set. He firmly refuted such claims, stating, “I never experienced any mood swings from him. We never had a moment that felt off." He further elaborated that distance might grow over time due to changing life circumstances and infrequent meetings, but he never witnessed the "moody" side of Salman that some people talk about. “In fact, people often misunderstand,” he said, suggesting that Salman's personality is often misinterpreted by those who don't know him well.
When asked about whether they had partied together, Mukesh admitted with a smile, “Yes, we did drink together.” He also revealed that he and Salman would often work out together, further solidifying their bond. He cherished the time spent with Salman, emphasizing that working together allowed them to get to know each other and develop mutual respect.
Mukesh Rishi has worked with Salman Khan in films like Judwaa, Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge, Garv, and Bandhan. His insights provide a contrasting view of Salman Khan, portraying him as a friendly, sociable, and generous individual, a "yaaron ka yaar" as he put it, far from the moody and aloof persona that some perceive him to be. The actor's revelations offer a glimpse into Salman Khan's off-screen persona, highlighting the importance of personal experiences in shaping one's understanding of a public figure.