Today, Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen share a warm friendship and mutual admiration, but their first meeting on the sets of the 1999 comedy-drama Biwi No. 1 was far from smooth.
In a past interview, Salman fondly recalled an awkward moment from the first day of filming when Sushmita’s reaction left him completely puzzled.
The First Meeting That Left Salman Surprised
Speaking during an earlier television appearance, Salman Khan shared that he had arrived late on the first day of shooting, while Sushmita Sen had already been waiting on set for several hours.
According to Salman, when he finally arrived, he introduced himself and greeted Sushmita warmly.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleHowever, the response he received was not what he expected.
The actor recalled that Sushmita briefly acknowledged him before walking away, leaving him confused about what had happened.
Since it was their first interaction, Salman admitted he could not understand why she appeared upset.
Salman Turned to David Dhawan for Answers
The unexpected reaction prompted Salman to seek an explanation from director David Dhawan, who was helming the film.
The actor jokingly remembered asking the filmmaker why Sushmita seemed annoyed with him and whether he had unknowingly done something wrong.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleThe incident later became one of the amusing behind-the-scenes stories associated with the making of Biwi No. 1.
From an Awkward Start to a Strong Friendship
Despite the rocky first impression, the misunderstanding did not affect their professional relationship.
Salman and Sushmita went on to develop a comfortable friendship while working together.
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Add Hunterfly on GoogleTheir chemistry in Biwi No. 1 was appreciated by audiences, and the pair later reunited in other films, including:
- Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya
- Tumko Na Bhool Paayenge
Over the years, they have frequently spoken positively about one another in public.
Mutual Respect Beyond the Screen
The friendship between the two stars extended beyond film sets.
They have often been seen interacting warmly at industry events and celebrations.
Salman has also publicly supported Sushmita’s projects. Following the success of her acclaimed web series Aarya, he praised her performance and expressed happiness over her achievements.
Their continued camaraderie remains one of Bollywood’s enduring friendships, proving that a less-than-perfect first meeting does not always define a relationship.
A Memorable Bollywood Anecdote
Stories from film sets often become part of Bollywood folklore, and this incident between Salman Khan and Sushmita Sen remains a memorable example.
What began as an awkward misunderstanding eventually evolved into a friendship built on mutual respect and years of professional collaboration.
For fans of both stars, the story offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of a partnership that would go on to create several memorable moments on screen.

















