Salman Khan Calls Dharmendra His Fitness Inspiration, Says 'He's Like Father To Me'

Superstar

Salman Khan recently made waves in Qatar during the ongoing Dabangg Tour, with multiple viral videos featuring him alongside Jacqueline Fernandez and Tamannaah Bhatia. One particular video from the event stands out, where Salman is asked about the person who inspired his fitness journey. He immediately credits veteran actor Dharmendra as his ultimate role model and shows deep admiration for him.

Salman Khan calls Dharmendra his fitness inspiration

In the viral video, Salman affectionately described Dharmendra as a father figure and shared his hopes for the actor’s swift recovery. For context, Dharmendra was discharged from Breach Candy Hospital on November 12 after receiving medical care and will continue his recovery at home.Salman is asked who motivated him to start working out. Without hesitation, he names Dharmendra as his greatest inspiration: "Mere aane se pehle ek hi shakhs the, aur woh hain Dharam ji," (Before I came along, there was only one person, and that is Dharam ji). Salman goes on to say that Dharmendra has always been like a father to him: "He is like my father, that’s the end. I love that man, and I just hope that he will come back," Salman adds, conveying both affection and concern for his mentor. Take a look at the video here:

My Fitness inspiration is Dharam Paji, He's like father figure to me. I love him - Salman Khan byu/Kaali_99 inBollyBlindsNGossip

Salman Khan and Dharmendra's special bond

Salman Khan and Dharmendra have a long-standing, close relationship. While Salman views Dharmendra as a father figure, the legendary actor also considers Salman his “third son.” A viral throwback video from Bigg Boss captures the warmth between the two stars. In the clip, Dharmendra, along with his son Bobby Deol, joins Salman on stage. Dharmendra jokingly says, "Waise main toh kahunga, yeh mera beta hai. Mere teen bete hain—teeno jazbaati hain, khuddar hain, transparent hain," (I would say he's my son. I have three sons— all of them are emotional, self-respecting, and transparent).” He then adds with a playful smile, “Par yeh mujh par thoda zyada gaya hai," (But this one is a little more like me), making both Salman and Bobby laugh in agreement.ALSO READ: Salman Khan Sets Major Fitness Goals In New Photo With Brother Sohail, Here's What Latter Did

Salman visited Dharmendra at hospital

Salman Khan was seen visiting Dharmendra at Breach Candy Hospital on Sunday, where the veteran actor was receiving treatment. His arrival drew attention from fans and the paparazzi outside the hospital, with other Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Govinda, and Ameesha Patel also spotted in the vicinity. Dharmendra had been admitted to the hospital due to breathing difficulties but was discharged on November 12 after his family decided to continue his recovery at home.