Salman Khan once again commanded attention on the global stage as he made a memorable appearance at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, reaffirming his position as one of Indian cinema’s most recognisable and influential figures. From engaging with international audiences to sharing candid insights into his craft, the actor’s presence added unmistakable star power to an evening that celebrated cinema across cultures.
One of the standout moments from the festival was Salman Khan presenting the Red Sea Honoree Award to acclaimed Hollywood actor and filmmaker Idris Elba. Known for his versatile body of work that includes films such as The Suicide Squad, Beast and Head of State, Elba was honoured for his contribution to global cinema. The moment was marked by warmth and camaraderie, as the two stars shared a hug, exchanged greetings and engaged in a brief, light-hearted conversation.
Sharing glimpses from the evening, the Red Sea International Film Festival posted photos and videos from the ceremony, writing, “Congratulations to actor and filmmaker Idris Elba for being honoured at #RedSeaIFF25 with the Red Sea Honoree Award, presented to him by Salman Khan.” The visuals quickly gained traction online, drawing attention to the meeting of two major cinematic forces from different industries.
Salman Khan’s interactions at the festival went beyond the awards ceremony. Pictures and clips of him engaging with fellow international stars, including Johnny Depp, also surfaced on social media, earning praise from fans and cinephiles alike. His thoughtful conversation about the art of acting and preparation particularly resonated with audiences.
During one such interaction, Salman spoke candidly about his approach to choosing roles and understanding characters. He revealed that he prefers not to read scripts on his own, instead relying on the director to narrate them. According to the actor, this process helps him align closely with the director’s vision. By the end of the first narration, he decides whether a role feels right for him, and after a second reading, he makes his final call—emphasising that, for him, everything ultimately comes down to the strength of the script.
Held annually in Jeddah, the Red Sea International Film Festival has steadily emerged as one of the most influential cinematic platforms in the region, bringing together actors, filmmakers and cultural icons from across the world. This year’s edition also saw the presence of several Bollywood stars, including Alia Bhatt, Kartik Aaryan and Kriti Sanon, further highlighting the festival’s growing global footprint.
With his appearances, conversations and cross-cultural exchanges, Salman Khan’s participation underscored the festival’s spirit of celebrating cinema without borders—where storytelling, craft and shared passion take centre stage.