In a development that has caused a wave of concern across the Indian film industry, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, 90, was admitted to Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre in Bandra, Mumbai, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
The legendary writer, celebrated as one half of the iconic Salim-Javed duo, was reportedly taken to the facility in the afternoon. While the family has yet to release a formal medical bulletin, sources indicate that he is currently under observation in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for age-related health issues and persistent swelling.
Following the news of his father’s hospitalization, superstar Salman Khan was spotted arriving at the hospital premises under heavy security. According to industry reports, the actor was filming for an upcoming project at Madh Island but rushed to the Bandra facility immediately upon receiving the news.
Dressed in a black T-shirt and a cap, Salman appeared focused and kept a low profile, bypassing the media stationed outside to go straight to his father’s side. He was seen leaving the premises shortly after, having spent significant time with the medical team.
The Khan family, known for their tight-knit bond, has gathered in full force at the hospital. Along with Salman, several other family members were seen entering the facility:
- Alvira Khan Agnihotri and husband Atul Agnihotri
- Arpita Khan Sharma and actor Aayush Sharma
- Sohail Khan and Arbaaz Khan are also reportedly coordinating with the doctors.
The presence of the entire family underscores the seriousness with which they are attending to the 90-year-old patriarch’s health.
Contribution of Salim Khan to Indian cinema is monumental. Having celebrated his 90th birthday in November 2025, he remains a revered figure whose scripts laid the foundation for modern Hindi cinema.
His collaboration with Javed Akhtar produced a string of blockbusters in the 1970s and 80s that revolutionized storytelling, turning Amitabh Bachchan into a superstar and introducing a gritty, realistic dialogue style to the silver screen.
As of Tuesday evening, the hospital authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the specific nature of the ailment. However, sources close to the family suggest that the hospitalization is a precautionary measure for monitoring age-related complications.
The next 24 to 48 hours will be crucial as doctors conduct further tests. The family is expected to provide an update once the initial reports are in. For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the man who gave Indian cinema some of its most enduring characters and dialogues.
