Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once again been praised for his unwavering loyalty and sense of fairness, this time by actress Sheeba Akashdeep. In a recent interview, she shared an incident that revealed Salman’s strong stance on ensuring that his colleagues are treated fairly, both on and off the stage.

Standing up for co-stars during a stage show

Speaking to Filmigyan, Sheeba recalled that during a stage show with Salman Khan, she and a few other performers were left unpaid even as the event neared its conclusion. While they were backstage discussing the issue, Salman overheard the conversation and enquired about what was wrong.

On learning that the organisers had not cleared the payments of his fellow artists, even though he had already received his fee, Salman immediately called up the organiser. According to Sheeba, he firmly stated that unless his co-stars were paid, he would not go on stage to perform. His resolute stand forced the organisers to settle the dues without further delay.

The incident, Sheeba said, reflected Salman’s reputation for standing by those who work with him. “He was clear about one thing: fairness. If he had been paid, so should we. He never let us feel unsupported,” she shared.

Guiding Sheeba in her personal life

Sheeba further revealed that Salman’s influence extended beyond professional matters. In an earlier conversation with Pinkvilla, she had spoken about how the superstar helped her with one of the most significant decisions of her life—her marriage.

Sheeba recounted introducing her partner, Akash, to Salman and sharing her plans to marry him. At the time, she was uncertain about the decision, but Salman’s words reassured her. “He was very supportive and told me I was making the right choice,” she recalled.

According to Sheeba, Salman advised her not to delay marriage further, especially since Akash had already made efforts to build a career in films with projects like Rangeela and Miss 420, which did not take off as expected. She described his advice as “sound and timely guidance” that helped her realise one cannot keep fighting challenges endlessly without moving forward in life.

Looking back, Sheeba said, “It was the perfect advice at the right time. I was young and unsure, but Salman gave me clarity.”

Salman Khan’s upcoming project

On the professional front, Salman Khan is preparing for his next big release, The Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film will recreate the 2020 Galwan Valley clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers—a rare modern-day battle fought without firearms. Instead, the confrontation involved hand-to-hand combat, with soldiers using sticks, rods, and stones, making it one of the most unusual yet brutal clashes in Indian military history.

The film is expected to showcase not just the physical intensity of the battle but also the emotions, patriotism, and sacrifices involved. With Salman Khan leading the project, industry insiders believe it could be one of the most hard-hitting roles of his career.

A reputation beyond films

While Salman is known for his superstardom and charisma on screen, stories such as Sheeba’s highlight a more personal side of the actor—his loyalty, sense of justice, and willingness to guide others. Over the years, several colleagues have spoken about his generosity and support in both personal and professional matters.

As he continues to balance blockbuster projects with humanitarian work through his “Being Human” foundation, Salman’s reputation as someone who stands by his colleagues adds another layer to his enduring popularity.

Conclusion

Sheeba Akashdeep’s anecdotes underline why Salman Khan is admired not just as a Bollywood megastar but also as a colleague and mentor. Whether it was ensuring fairness during a stage performance or offering personal advice at a critical juncture, Salman’s actions reflect the values of loyalty and integrity. With his upcoming project The Battle of Galwan, the actor once again finds himself at the centre of public attention—this time blending his on-screen intensity with real-life stories of resilience and courage.