Why did Salman Khan stay single despite decades of fame and multiple serious relationships? The answer is not a single dramatic moment but a combination of personal choices, family influence, legal complications, and health realities. When people search “Why Did Salman Khan Stay Single,” they’re usually looking for one scandal, but the truth is layered and spans over three decades of public life.
As of 2026, Salman Khan remains one of Bollywood’s most prominent unmarried actors, even at 60 years old. His bachelor status continues to trend in search queries, interviews, and entertainment debates. To understand why Salman Khan never got married, you need to look at his relationship history, public statements, legal battles, and evolving Indian surrogacy laws.
Why Did Salman Khan Stay Single?
Salman Khan stayed single due to a mix of personality traits, failed relationships, legal uncertainty, family priorities, and restrictions surrounding surrogacy in India. He has openly admitted that he is difficult to live with and has expressed hesitation about marriage during ongoing legal matters. His desire to become a father without embracing traditional marriage expectations also shaped his long-term decision.
The “Mother Complex”: Seeking Salma Khan in Every Partner
The idea that Salman Khan searches for his mother’s qualities in a partner comes from statements made by his father, Salim Khan. In various interviews, Salim Khan suggested that Salman looks for traits similar to those of his mother, Salma Khan, who is known for maintaining a close-knit family environment. That observation sparked widespread discussion about expectations in his relationships.
Many women linked to Salman Khan were independent, career-driven actresses with demanding professional lives. Expecting them to mirror a traditional homemaker role may have created tension once relationships moved beyond casual dating. According to available interviews and media accounts, differences in expectations reportedly played a role in several breakups.
Relationships often began on film sets where shared schedules and creative collaboration built strong bonds. When the idea of marriage entered the conversation, however, priorities may have shifted. That contrast between romantic chemistry and domestic expectations helps explain why several long-term relationships did not culminate in marriage.
Self-Awareness or Commitment Phobia?
Salman Khan has publicly said that he is “difficult to live with,” a remark that fueled discussions around Salman Khan commitment phobia or self-awareness. Rather than denying personality flaws, he has acknowledged mood swings and an intense work schedule shaped by decades in the film industry. That level of honesty is uncommon among public figures.
His career demands are significant. Big-budget productions, brand endorsements, television hosting, and the Being Human foundation occupy much of his time. Maintaining emotional availability under that pressure is not easy, and he has admitted he may not be the ideal long-term partner.
Self-awareness can sometimes look like avoidance from the outside. But recognizing your own limitations can also reflect maturity. In Salman Khan’s case, his repeated acknowledgment that he may not fit into conventional married life offers one explanation for why he remained single.
The Ghost of Failed Commitments
Sangeeta Bijlani 1994: The Wedding That Almost Happened
Reports from the 1990s indicate that Salman Khan nearly married Sangeeta Bijlani in 1994. Wedding invitations were reportedly printed before the ceremony was called off at the last minute. According to media accounts from that period, trust issues were cited as the reason for cancellation.
This episode remains one of Bollywood’s most discussed near-marriages. Publicly canceling a wedding can leave a lasting impact on personal outlook and public perception. The incident shaped how fans and media interpreted Salman Khan and Sangeeta Bijlani wedding cancellation reasons for years afterward.
The Aishwarya Rai Chapter
Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai began their relationship during the filming of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in 1999. Their breakup in 2002 became highly publicized, with allegations of emotional distress reported in the media. Aishwarya Rai later spoke publicly about the relationship, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
When asking why did Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan break up, many observers point to incompatibility and public controversy. Intense media scrutiny can strain even strong relationships. After such a visible fallout, rebuilding trust in long-term commitment can become more difficult.
The Katrina Kaif Bond
Salman Khan’s association with Katrina Kaif was comparatively less turbulent. They worked together in multiple films and maintained a cordial bond even after separating. Public appearances suggested mutual respect rather than hostility.
Despite long-term companionship, the relationship never transitioned into marriage. Repeated emotional setbacks may have reinforced caution. Over time, caution can solidify into a long-term lifestyle choice.
Learning from the Inner Circle
During the 100th episode of Koffee With Karan, Salman Khan’s brothers made comments suggesting marriage might not suit him. The tone was light, but the message was clear. Their remarks were interpreted as observations based on lived experience rather than criticism.
The Arbaaz Khan divorce also influenced public conversations. Watching a sibling navigate a public separation can alter personal views about marriage stability. According to available interviews, Arbaaz hinted that Salman may have learned from relationships failing around him.
Family has always been central in Salman Khan’s life. He lives in close proximity to his parents and siblings and often prioritizes family gatherings over personal romantic milestones. That deep-rooted family structure may reduce the urgency to form a separate marital unit.
The Legal Burden and “Jail Fear”
Salman Khan faced prolonged legal proceedings related to the 1998 blackbuck poaching case and the 2002 hit-and-run case. Court verdicts evolved over time, with appeals and acquittals shaping the legal timeline. Such extended legal uncertainty creates emotional strain.
He has expressed concern about entering marriage while facing unresolved legal matters. If imprisonment were ever a possibility, introducing a spouse and children into that uncertainty could feel irresponsible. According to interviews and public statements, that fear influenced his thinking.
The impact of legal cases on Salman Khan’s personal life is rarely discussed in depth. Legal pressure affects decision-making and long-term planning. Under such circumstances, remaining single can feel like a safer option.
Health Issues: Trigeminal Neuralgia
Salman Khan has publicly confirmed that he suffers from Trigeminal Neuralgia, a neurological condition known for causing severe facial nerve pain. The Mayo Clinic describes this condition as one of the most painful disorders affecting the trigeminal nerve. He reportedly underwent treatment in the United States in 2011.
Chronic pain influences emotional stability and stress tolerance. Managing Trigeminal Neuralgia while maintaining a high-profile acting career demands resilience. Salman Khan’s health issues and their impact on marriage deserve serious consideration.
Health struggles often reshape life priorities. When pain becomes unpredictable, long-term commitments require additional emotional strength. That factor may have contributed quietly to his decision to stay unmarried.
Fatherhood Dreams vs Surrogacy in India
Salman Khan has repeatedly expressed a desire to have children. His involvement in the Being Human foundation and his visible comfort around children reinforce that paternal instinct. Yet fatherhood plans intersect with Indian legal regulations.
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, restricts commercial surrogacy and limits eligibility primarily to married Indian couples meeting defined conditions. According to the law, single men face significant barriers in pursuing surrogacy in India. Salman Khan’s views on Indian surrogacy laws reflect those legal limitations.
This explains why Salman Khan wants kids but not a wife. His desire for children appears genuine, but traditional marriage may not align with his lifestyle preferences. Legal restrictions complicated that balance further.
Financial Pragmatism and the Wedding Joke
Salman Khan once joked that modern Indian weddings cost crores and that he could not afford such extravagance. The comment was clearly humorous, considering his long-standing position among Bollywood’s highest earners. Humor, however, often reflects personal philosophy.
He contrasted lavish ceremonies with his father Salim Khan’s simpler wedding. The joke subtly challenged societal expectations around grand celebrations. By framing marriage as financially excessive, he emphasized independence from social pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Salman Khan’s wedding with Sangeeta Bijlani get cancelled?
Reports from 1994 indicate that the wedding was called off shortly before the ceremony. Invitations had reportedly been printed, making the cancellation highly public. Media accounts at the time cited trust issues as the primary reason.
Refer more interesting stories here: blog
Does Salman Khan want to have children?
Yes, Salman Khan has publicly stated that he wants children. He has mentioned exploring options like surrogacy in India, though legal restrictions limit eligibility for single men. His statements suggest fatherhood remains an important aspiration.
What is the reason behind Salman Khan’s bachelorhood?
There is no single reason behind his bachelorhood. Personal temperament, failed relationships, legal uncertainty, and family priorities all played roles. Changes in surrogacy laws in India further complicated long-term plans.
Who was Salman Khan’s first girlfriend?
One of Salman Khan’s earliest serious relationships was with Sangeeta Bijlani. Their bond reportedly progressed to formal wedding preparations. The engagement’s cancellation marked a defining moment in his personal history.
What did Salim Khan say about Salman Khan not getting married?
Salim Khan suggested that Salman looks for qualities similar to his mother in potential partners. He implied that such expectations may not align easily with modern independent relationships. His comments offered rare insight into family dynamics.
Is Salman Khan in a relationship with Iulia Vantur?
Media reports have linked Salman Khan with Iulia Vantur for several years. However, as of 2026, no official confirmation of marriage plans exists. According to available sources, both have maintained privacy around the nature of their association.
What disease does Salman Khan suffer from?
Salman Khan has confirmed he suffers from Trigeminal Neuralgia. The condition causes severe facial nerve pain and often requires specialized treatment. Medical authorities describe it as a chronic neurological disorder.
Did Salman Khan almost get married in 1994?
Yes, multiple reports confirm that he nearly married Sangeeta Bijlani in 1994. Wedding invitations were reportedly prepared before the ceremony was cancelled. The incident remains widely discussed in Bollywood history.
Why do Salman Khan’s brothers think he should stay single?
During a televised interview, his brothers hinted that marriage might not suit his personality and lifestyle. Their remarks appeared grounded in familiarity rather than judgment. Observing family experiences may have influenced their perspective.
Can Salman Khan have a child through surrogacy in India?
The Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021 restricts surrogacy eligibility primarily to married Indian couples under specific criteria. Single men currently face significant legal barriers. Laws may evolve, but current regulations limit that pathway.
Conclusion
Why did Salman Khan stay single? The answer lies in a blend of personality, experience, health, legal context, and family structure. No single controversy defines his bachelorhood.
He experienced high-profile breakups, prolonged legal battles, and a serious medical condition. At the same time, he remained deeply committed to his family and philanthropic work. His continued single status appears less accidental and more deliberate.