Mumbai, Feb 18 (NationPress) Former actress Somy Ali conveyed her heartfelt concern upon hearing the news of veteran screenwriter Salim Khan being hospitalized, stating that it made her “heart sink.”

Somy took to Instagram to share a photo of Salim Khan with his wives Salma Khan and Helen. In her touching message, Somy portrayed Salim not only as a legendary writer but also as a father figure in her life.

“The news of Salim Khan’s hospitalization made my heart sink. To the world, he is a legendary writer who helped shape icons like Amitabh Bachchan and co-created masterpieces like Sholay. To me, he was a father figure,” she wrote in her caption.

She reminisced about living in his home, where she was treated like a daughter, participating in family discussions centered around faith and philosophy.

“While living in his home, I was treated like a daughter, welcomed at the table, engaging in profound conversations about faith, where all religions were honored and celebrated.”

Somy revealed that Salim Khan’s teachings on spirituality had a lasting influence on her.

“He enlightened me that God transcends doctrine, and that storytelling must always convey truth beneath the drama.”

Praising both his professional genius and personal integrity, she stated: “His brilliance crafted cinematic history. His humanity shaped people. I am praying for his strength and recovery. He means more to me than words can express.”

Salim Khan was taken to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 17. His elder son, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, along with his daughters Alvira Khan Agnihotri and Arpita Khan, and her actor husband Aayush Sharma, were seen at the hospital.

Salman left his shoot in Madh Island to visit his father. Reports indicate that Salim Khan has been experiencing swelling. He celebrated his 90th birthday last November, coinciding with the passing of Dharmendra.

Salim Khan moved to Mumbai in the 1950s, initially working as a film extra and supporting actor in Hindi cinema. Though his acting career was brief, it paved the way for his scriptwriting journey. In the late 1960s, Salim Khan teamed up with Javed Akhtar to form Salim–Javed, one of the most impactful screenwriting duos in Indian cinema.

Between 1971 and 1982, they produced a series of commercially successful and culturally significant films, including ‘Andaz’, ‘Seeta Aur Geeta’, ‘Zanjeer’, ‘Yaadon Ki Baaraat’, ‘Deewaar’, ‘Sholay’, ‘Trishul’, ‘Don’, and ‘Kaala Patthar’. Their contributions helped establish the framework of the Hindi commercial film, characterized by powerful narratives, dialogue, and a central male protagonist.