In the latest episode of the Prime Video docu-series Angry Young Men, which chronicles the lives of Bollywood’s legendary screenwriting duo Salim-Javed, the Khan family opens up about a defining moment in their personal history. The third episode explores the emotional conversation that Salim Khan had with his children about his relationship with Helen, who became his second wife in 1981. The episode also highlights how Salma Khan, Salim’s first wife, played a crucial role in maintaining harmony within the family during this challenging period.
Arbaaz Khan, one of Salim and Salma Khan’s three sons, shared how his mother never spoke ill of either Helen or Salim. “My mother never influenced us to think or say anything against our father. She had her troubles, but she never made us feel that ‘Your dad is like this,’ or, ‘This is what he is doing,’” Arbaaz revealed.
Arbaaz also mentioned that he and his siblings continue to address Helen as ‘aunty,’ a term they have used since she first entered their lives. “Though we treat her as a mother, we call her Helen Aunty. She is part of our lives,” Arbaaz explained, adding that it is Salma Khan who ensures Helen is included in all family matters.
For context, Salim Khan married Sushila Charak (now Salma Khan) in 1964, and the couple has four children together: Salman, Arbaaz, Sohail, and Alvira. Salim married Helen Ann Richardson in 1981, and the couple later adopted a daughter,
Salim Khan also reflected on how he first introduced Helen to his children. “I sat all the kids down and discussed it with them. I told them, ‘You won’t understand it now, but you will get it when you’re older. I am in love with Helen Aunty, and I know you can’t love her as much as you love your mother, but I want the same respect for her.’”
The episode also touches on the initial meeting between Salim and Helen on the sets of Kabli Khan, and how their relationship blossomed when they reconnected during the filming of Amitabh Bachchan’s Don.
