Salman Khan wishes Zeeshan Siddique on birthday, a year after Baba Siddique's murder
Synopsis
Nearly a year after NCP leader Baba Siddique was shot dead in Mumbai, Salman Khan publicly wished his son Zeeshan a happy birthday on Instagram — a small but pointed gesture that keeps one of Bollywood's most personal tragedies in the public eye, and signals that the star's loyalty to the Siddique family remains firmly intact.
Key Takeaways
Salman Khan wished Zeeshan Siddique a happy birthday via his official Instagram Stories on Saturday .
Baba Siddique , NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead in Mumbai on 12 October 2024 .
Salman attended Baba Siddique's funeral despite personal security threats at the time.
The iconic Salman–Shah Rukh Khan reconciliation took place at Baba Siddique's 2013 Iftar party .
Salman's war drama 'Maatrubhumi' , depicting the Galwan Valley clash of 15 June 2020 , is currently in production.
Bollywood actor Salman Khan on Saturday, 4 October 2025, extended a warm birthday wish to Zeeshan Siddique, the son of slain politician Baba Siddique, keeping alive a friendship that has endured one of Bollywood's most high-profile tragedies. The gesture, shared via Salman's official Instagram Stories, included a photograph of the two together alongside the message: 'Happy Birthday Zeeshan @zeeshanBabaS'.
The Bond Behind the Wish
Salman's closeness with the Siddique family is well documented. Baba Siddique, a senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Maharashtra minister, was shot dead on 12 October 2024 in Mumbai — a killing that sent shockwaves through both political and film circles. Despite active threats to his own life at the time, Salman attended Baba Siddique's funeral, underscoring the depth of the relationship.
Baba Siddique was widely known for his annual Iftar parties during Ramadan, star-studded affairs that regularly drew some of Bollywood's biggest names. The most memorable of these gatherings came in 2013, when Salman and Shah Rukh Khan publicly reconciled with a widely photographed hug — ending a feud that had begun at Katrina Kaif's birthday party in 2008.
Zeeshan Siddique in the Public Eye
Zeeshan Siddique currently serves as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and has remained a public figure following his father's death. Saturday's birthday wish from Salman is a visible signal that the actor intends to stand by the family in the aftermath of the assassination.
Salman Khan's Upcoming Projects
On the professional front, Salman is gearing up for what could be one of his most ambitious films. Titled 'Maatrubhumi' — previously announced as 'Battle of Galwan' — the war drama is directed by Apoorva Lakhia and centres on the Galwan Valley clash of 15 June 2020, when Indian soldiers engaged Chinese troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Salman is set to portray Colonel Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment involved in the confrontation. The film is backed by Salman Khan Films, with Chitrangda Singh as the female lead.
His pipeline also includes SVC 63, directed by Vamshi Paidipally and featuring Nayanthara, as well as an untitled thriller helmed by the acclaimed director duo Raj and DK. Off-screen, Salman continues to host the 20th season of Bigg Boss, extending his decade-long association with the reality franchise.
What to Watch
With Baba Siddique's murder case still unfolding in Maharashtra's legal and political corridors, Salman's continued public association with the Siddique family carries weight beyond sentiment — it keeps the spotlight on a case that has yet to deliver a final verdict.
Point of View
And Salman's very public loyalty to the family sustains scrutiny on a murder that sits at the intersection of organised crime, politics, and Bollywood. The 2013 Iftar party reconciliation with Shah Rukh Khan — now referenced again in this context — illustrates how central Baba Siddique was as a cultural broker in Mumbai's elite circles. His absence is a larger story than most coverage acknowledges.
NationPress
3 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Salman Khan wish Zeeshan Siddique on his birthday?
Salman Khan and the Siddique family share a long-standing personal bond. Salman wished Zeeshan via his Instagram Stories, posting a photograph together along with a birthday message — continuing a friendship that predates and now outlives Baba Siddique's death in October 2024.
Who was Baba Siddique and how did he die?
Baba Siddique was a senior NCP leader and former Maharashtra minister known for his close ties to Bollywood. He was shot dead on 12 October 2024 in Mumbai. The case is still being pursued through Maharashtra's courts.
Who is Zeeshan Siddique?
Zeeshan Siddique is the son of the late Baba Siddique and currently serves as an MLA. He has remained a public figure following his father's assassination.
What is the significance of Baba Siddique's Iftar parties?
Baba Siddique's annual Ramadan Iftar parties were landmark social events in Mumbai, regularly attended by top Bollywood stars. The 2013 edition became historic when Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan publicly reconciled after a five-year feud, sharing a widely photographed hug.
What films is Salman Khan working on currently?
Salman is filming 'Maatrubhumi' (formerly 'Battle of Galwan'), a war drama about the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash directed by Apoorva Lakhia, with Chitrangda Singh as his co-star. He also has 'SVC 63' with Nayanthara and an untitled thriller with directors Raj and DK in his pipeline, alongside hosting Bigg Boss Season 20.
