By Mohammed Yousif 
A Heartwarming Tale of Bollywood Camaraderie
In the glitzy world of Bollywood, where stars often seem larger than life, stories of genuine kindness and support stand out. One such story comes from actor Divya Dutta, who fondly recalls the time superstar Salman Khan went out of his way to help her through a challenging scene on the set of Veergati.
A Struggling Newcomer and a Kind Superstar
Divya, then a rookie in the industry, was struggling with a death scene due to her claustrophobia. In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, she recounted the incident with heartfelt gratitude. “I cannot handle closed spaces or hold my breath for long. I was 18 or something, and I was scared of the director, KK Singh, who was very strict. I’d never been scolded even at home, so his harsh words were very tough for me to handle,” she said.
Salman Steps In
After several unsuccessful takes, an assistant director informed Salman, who had already wrapped up for the day and was sitting in his car. Despite being done with his work, Salman came over to help Divya. “Salman came over. I had a huge crush on him, and I didn’t want to embarrass myself in front of him as well. He sat opposite me and told me to follow exactly what he does. He lay down on the ground next to me and guided me through the scene. He’d say, ‘I’ve held my breath now,’ and I would also hold my breath. I kept looking directly at him, and he gave me a count. Even the director backed off because he knew that Salman was handling it. Then, after 10 seconds, Salman told me to shut my eyes and breathe,” Divya recalled.
A Pivotal Moment in Her Career
This act of kindness was a turning point for Divya. “You never forget who stood by you in your moment of need,” she said. Salman’s gesture not only helped her get through the scene but also boosted her confidence as a newcomer in the industry.
More Than Just a Co-star
Divya shared another anecdote that highlighted Salman’s caring nature. “I learned a lot from Salman. He was very protective of me. He’d take care of me, he’d bring food from home. One day, he called me over and said, ‘Come, I’ll take your pictures’. I assumed that he was ragging me, because he was known to be a prankster. So, I went over, and realized that he was being serious. He’s such a great photographer. He got those pictures printed on a T-shirt and a mug,” she shared.
A Soft Spot for Salman
Reflecting on her bond with Salman, Divya said she will always have a soft spot for him. When asked if the superstar is ‘misunderstood,’ she acknowledged that everyone has their moody moments, but because of Salman’s immense popularity, his moods often make headlines. “Everybody is ‘moody’ at times, but because he’s so popular, stories about his moodiness become news,” she noted.
Conclusion
Divya Dutta’s anecdotes offer a glimpse into the genuine camaraderie and support that exists in Bollywood, often away from the public eye. Salman Khan’s kindness not only helped her in a difficult moment but also left an indelible mark on her heart. Such stories remind us that behind the glitz and glamour, it’s the acts of kindness and humanity that truly shine.