Helen accepts award on Salim Khan's behalf, reassures fans about his health

Helen accepted the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of Salim Khan and said he is doing well. Her remarks come months after the screenwriter's health scare and reassure his well-wishers.

In Short

• Helen updates on Salim Khan's good health after recent scare
• She accepted the Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf
• She said Salim was grateful for support from fans and well-wishers

Veteran actor Helen has shared an update on the health of her husband, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, saying he is doing well and remains "a very strong man". Helen spoke about his health while accepting the prestigious Raj Kapoor Lifetime Achievement Award on his behalf on Wednesday.

Salim Khan was honoured for his immense contribution to Hindi cinema, but he could not attend the ceremony himself. Helen accepted the award on his behalf and said the recognition was a special moment for the celebrated writer.

Speaking to the media after receiving the honour, Helen said Salim Khan was grateful to everyone who continues to love and support him. "This award that I am receiving today is on behalf of Salim Saab. You all know who Salim Saab is," she said.

Asked how Salim reacted when he learnt about the honour, Helen recalled his response and said he wanted to thank those who have stood by him over the years.

She also offered reassurance about his health, saying, "I am grateful for this award for Salim Sahab. All his films are my favourite. His health is very good. He is a very strong man and sends his good wishes to all of you, to entire Maharashtra and India too."

The update comes months after Salim Khan faced a health scare earlier this year, which had sparked concern among fans and well-wishers. The 90-year-old suffered a minor brain hemorrhage and underwent medical procedure at Mumbai's Lilavati Hospital. Helen's latest comments suggest that the veteran writer is now doing well.

Helen and Salim Khan have shared a long personal and professional history. The two first crossed paths while working on the 1963 film Kabli Khan, in which Helen played the female lead and Salim appeared as the antagonist. Helen had previously recalled that they barely spoke during the making of the film.

They reunited years later while working on Don in 1978. The Amitabh Bachchan-starrer was written by Salim-Javed, while Helen appeared as Kamini and featured in the iconic song Yeh Mera Dil Yaar Ka Diwana. It was during the making of the film that the two reportedly grew closer.

Helen and Salim Khan married in 1981. Salim was already married to Salma Khan and had four children at the time. Their relationship initially faced resistance from the family, but Helen eventually became an important part of the Khan family.

The couple also shared a professional connection through films, including Dostana and Sholay, in which Helen had memorable appearances.

Salim Khan remains one of the most influential screenwriters in the history of Hindi cinema. Alongside Javed Akhtar, he co-wrote some of the industry's landmark films, including Zanjeer, Deewaar, Sholay, Don, Trishul and Dostana.

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