04 May,2026 11:53 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sushil Kumar and Salman Khan (Instagram)
Bollywood actor Salman Khan expressed deep grief following the death of his close friend, whom he considered a brother, Sushil Kumar. In an emotional note shared on social media, the actor revealed that he was struggling to process the loss, admitting that he wished he could either feel anger or break down in tears but found himself unable to do either.
Salman's message reflected a mix of disbelief and numbness, as he tried to come to terms with the passing of someone he shared a strong personal bond with. Rather than expressing sorrow in a conventional way, he chose to recall their memories together, highlighting the laughter, camaraderie, and moments that defined their relationship. His words suggested that the pain was too deep to be expressed through tears alone.
In his tribute, Salman also referenced their close friendship through light-hearted memories, including inside jokes that hinted at their easy rapport. The tone of the note balanced grief with warmth, showing how deeply Sushil Kumar had impacted his life. The actor's message stood out for its honesty, as he openly acknowledged feeling emotionally conflicted in the face of loss.
Sushil Kumar was not just a friend but someone Salman regarded as family. The actor's use of the word "brother" underscored the closeness they shared over the years. While he did not go into detailed specifics about their relationship, his tribute made it clear that their bond went beyond professional or casual friendship.
The post quickly drew attention online, with fans and members of the film industry responding with condolences and messages of support. Many noted how rare it is for Salman to publicly display such vulnerability, making the tribute even more poignant.
Through his message, Salman ultimately chose to celebrate Sushil Kumar's life rather than dwell solely on the sadness of his passing. By focusing on shared memories and laughter, he conveyed a sense of gratitude for the time they spent together, even as he mourned the loss of his close friend.