Veteran Screenwriter Salim Khan Hospitalized; Doctors Provide Health Update

New Delhi, February 19, 2026: Legendary Bollywood screenwriter Salim Khan, the patriarch of one of the film industry’s most prominent families, is currently receiving treatment at Lilavati Hospital after suffering a minor brain hemorrhage. The 90-year-old veteran was admitted to the facility on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, after experiencing a sudden spike in blood pressure.

While news of his hospitalization initially sparked concern across the country, medical experts have clarified that his condition is stable and he is under close observation.

Medical Condition and Treatment

According to Dr. Jalil Parkar, the pulmonologist leading the medical team, Salim Khan was placed on ventilator support as a precautionary measure.

• The Diagnosis: Doctors confirmed a “minimal” brain hemorrhage triggered by high blood pressure.
• The Procedure: On Wednesday morning, Khan underwent Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA), a specialized imaging procedure used to examine blood vessels.
• Clarification on Surgery: Contrary to earlier rumors, the medical team emphasized that no major surgery was required. The procedure was successful, and Khan was shifted back to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for recovery.

“He is fine and stable but is still on a ventilator as a safeguard. By tomorrow, hopefully, we will take him off the ventilator. Keeping his age in mind, the recovery time is naturally longer,” Dr. Parkar told reporters.

Family and Industry Support

As news of the medical emergency broke, the Khan family gathered at the Bandra-based hospital. Superstar Salman Khan reportedly paused his filming schedule for his upcoming project to be by his father’s side.

Other family members spotted at the hospital include:

• Sons: Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan.
• Wives: Salma Khan and Helen.
• Grandchildren: Arhaan and Nirvaan Khan.
• Extended Family: Alvira Khan Agnihotri, Atul Agnihotri, and Aayush Sharma.

Long-time creative partner Javed Akhtar also visited the hospital, along with other industry veterans like Sanjay Dutt and Subhash Ghai, who shared messages of support and prayers for a speedy recovery.

A Legacy That Shaped Cinema

Salim Khan celebrated his 90th birthday in November 2025. He remains one of the most influential figures in Indian cinema history, best known as one-half of the iconic Salim-Javed writing duo. Together, they revolutionized Bollywood in the 1970s, creating the “Angry Young Man” persona for Amitabh Bachchan and penning blockbusters like Sholay, Deewar, Zanjeer, and Don.

The hospital has indicated that further health bulletins will be released based on the family’s wishes as they focus on his recuperation.