Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has opened up about his long-standing health battles, revealing for the first time that he is dealing with a brain aneurysm, trigeminal neuralgia, and arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Despite these serious conditions, the actor continues to work at full throttle, performing action sequences and managing his professional commitments.
In a recent appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show, Salman candidly spoke about his health challenges, surprising fans and colleagues alike with his honesty and resilience.
“Still Working Through the Pain,” Says Salman
Speaking with characteristic humour and grit, Salman explained that he is currently facing multiple medical issues, including broken ribs, severe facial nerve pain, and neurological complications. He said in Hindi, “Pasliyan toot gayi hain, trigeminal neuralgia ke saath kaam kar rahe hain, aneurysm hai brain mein, AV malformation hai… uske bawajood kaam kar rahe hain.”
The statement was a powerful reminder of the actor’s dedication to his craft. Despite living with conditions that would sideline most, Salman continues to appear in films, work on his production house, and even train for physically demanding roles.
What Is Trigeminal Neuralgia?
Salman first revealed his struggle with trigeminal neuralgia during the promotion of his 2017 film Tubelight. The condition is often described as one of the most painful nerve disorders, causing sudden and intense facial pain. It affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from the face to the brain, and is often triggered by simple actions like chewing, talking, or even touching the face.
For someone like Salman Khan, known for his expressive on-screen performances and action roles, the diagnosis posed a significant challenge. He described the pain as unbearable at times but said that he has learned to live with it while continuing to deliver on professional fronts.
Brain Aneurysm and AV Malformation: A Risky Combination
In addition to trigeminal neuralgia, Salman revealed he is living with a brain aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation (AVM). Both conditions are related to abnormal blood vessels in the brain. An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel that can rupture and cause life-threatening bleeding. An AV malformation is a tangle of poorly formed vessels that disrupt normal blood flow.
These conditions are serious and require regular medical monitoring. While Salman did not disclose if surgery was on the table, he confirmed that his medical team is keeping a close watch on him. Still, he remains active in the industry, shooting films and continuing with promotional events.
On Marriage, Age and Priorities
During the show, Salman also responded to a cheeky comment by host Kapil Sharma about why he never married. With his trademark wit, Salman said that at his age—59—starting over after a divorce and rebuilding wealth would be more exhausting than it once might have been. The actor’s honesty struck a chord with many fans, especially in light of his current health situation.
He added that focusing on work and health now takes priority over personal milestones.
Career Amid Health Concerns
Salman’s health revelation comes at a time when his box office presence is also under scrutiny. His recent film Sikandar did not meet expectations, earning ₹176 crore against a reported budget of ₹200 crore. However, the actor remains unfazed and committed to his future projects.
He is reportedly working on a new action film and a web series and continues to manage his production ventures. His determination to remain active despite serious medical issues has earned him even more admiration from his fans.
A Message of Strength
Salman Khan’s health struggles, including trigeminal neuralgia, a brain aneurysm, and AV malformation, highlight the invisible battles many individuals fight every day. His openness not only raises awareness about these rare and painful conditions but also sends a strong message about resilience.
Salman’s story is more than just another celebrity headline. It’s a reminder that even the biggest stars face human vulnerabilities—and sometimes, their biggest fight is off-screen. His commitment to continuing work in the face of chronic pain and medical uncertainty is both inspiring and thought-provoking.
