An emotional revelation from veteran actor Mohnish Bahl has resurfaced, shedding new light on one of Bollywood's most enduring friendships that literally saved his career. In a candid interview with Atithi, the actor known for his iconic roles in Rajshri films opened up about his difficult early years and how a chance bond with Salman Khan became the turning point in his life.
The Struggle Years That Forged an Unbreakable Bond
Mohnish Bahl described how his friendship with Salman Khan blossomed during what he calls "the most challenging period" of his early career. Both young men were navigating the uncertainties of the film industry, training together at C-Rock Hotel and bonding over their shared interest in bodybuilding.
"All my friends are still there. But there is one special friend, who became a friend during that bad time. And today you all know him as Salman Khan," Bahl emotionally shared in the interview. He recalled how both of them were "very thin" at the time, with their futures hanging in the balance.
The Moment of Doubt That Became a Turning Point
Bahl remembered being completely taken aback when Salman Khan confided his acting ambitions. "He told me, Mohnish, I want to become an actor," Bahl recalled. Coming from a place of his own frustration and career disappointments, Bahl's response reflected his disillusionment.
"I said, what are you saying? I have flopped. How will you become an actor?" Bahl admitted telling Salman. "I am six feet tall. You don't even have height. How can you become an actor?" This moment of honest disbelief between friends would soon be overshadowed by a life-changing opportunity.
The Career-Defining Opportunity That Changed Everything
The tide turned when Salman Khan approached Bahl with an unexpected offer from Rajshri Productions. "He came to me and said, I got a picture from Rajshri Productions. Do a villain role. Will you do it?" Bahl remembered.
Despite his earlier struggles, Bahl immediately agreed. "Yes, why won't I do it?" he responded, recognizing that this offer came from someone who believed in him when he didn't believe in himself. This led to his audition and eventual casting in the 1989 blockbuster 'Maine Pyar Kiya', which became a massive hit and launched his successful career.
Reflecting on this pivotal moment, Bahl expressed eternal gratitude: "If that man, Salman, had not mentioned my name at that time, everything else would not have happened. He believed in me." This heartfelt acknowledgment underscores how a single act of friendship can alter the course of a career in the unpredictable world of Bollywood.
