Salman Khan is once again making headlines, but this time it is not because of a film announcement or a public appearance. A recent video of the Bollywood superstar from an event in Mumbai has gone viral after fans noticed a change in his appearance. While the actor attended the function to inaugurate a new facility and interact with beneficiaries, social media conversations quickly shifted towards his health. The clip has prompted many admirers to wonder whether the actor is doing well, with some recalling his well-documented battle with trigeminal neuralgia.
The actor visited the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA) office in Mumbai, where he inaugurated the newly developed Data Collection and Segregation Support Centre (IT Server Room). During the event, Salman also handed over keys to newly allotted homes and spent time interacting with elderly beneficiaries. Pictures from the ceremony reflected a warm and cheerful atmosphere, but a close-up video shared online soon became the centre of attention for a very different reason.
Fans express concern after viral video
The video spread rapidly across social media platforms, with many viewers commenting that Salman appeared noticeably different from his recent public appearances. Dressed in a beige T-shirt, jeans and a cap, the actor was surrounded by security personnel, including his longtime bodyguard Shera, as he made his way through the crowd. Although Salman did not address his health during the event, the clip led to widespread speculation among fans.
Several social media users shared messages expressing concern about the actor’s well-being. Some questioned whether he was feeling unwell, while others hoped he was taking care of his health. However, Salman has not made any statement linking his recent appearance to any medical condition, and there has been no official confirmation regarding the online speculation.
Salman’s battle with trigeminal neuralgia
The renewed discussion has also brought attention to Salman’s long battle with trigeminal neuralgia, a rare neurological disorder known for causing sudden and severe facial pain. Often described as one of the most painful conditions a person can experience, trigeminal neuralgia affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain. Everyday activities such as eating, talking, brushing teeth or even a light touch can trigger intense, electric shock-like pain for those living with the condition.
Last year, Salman spoke in detail about his experience while appearing on Kajol and Twinkle Khanna’s Two Much. He revealed that he first developed the condition in 2007 during the shooting of Partner. Describing the severity of the pain, the actor explained, “I had it for seven-and-a-half years. It used to hurt every four-five minutes. It would happen suddenly, while talking… It used to take me about an hour and a half to have my breakfast, and I used to go straight to dinner. For an omelette, because I couldn’t chew it, I had to force myself, hurt myself, take as much pain, so I could get rid of the meal.”
Salman also revealed that he was taking around 750 mg of painkillers at one point, but they offered very little relief. Initially, doctors believed the pain was related to a dental problem before later identifying it as a nerve disorder. He recalled undergoing Gamma Knife Surgery, explaining that doctors had estimated only partial relief from the procedure. However, he said that by God’s grace, the pain eventually disappeared completely.
Why the condition is called the “suicide disease”
Trigeminal neuralgia is sometimes referred to as the “suicide disease” because of the extreme intensity of the pain experienced by patients over long periods. Medical experts describe it as a chronic neurological condition that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life if left untreated. Modern treatment options include medication, minimally invasive procedures and surgery, depending on the severity of the symptoms and how patients respond to treatment.
Salman has previously said that he chose to speak publicly about the condition because many people are unaware of it and its impact. By sharing his own experience, he hoped to raise awareness about a disorder that often goes undiagnosed in its early stages. While fans continue to express concern after the latest viral video, there is currently no indication from the actor or his team that his appearance is connected to a recurrence of trigeminal neuralgia.
