Bollywood icon Salman Khan marked India’s 79th Independence Day with a heartfelt musical tribute for his fans. The actor posted a black-and-white video on Instagram, where he can be seen performing his own rendition of the patriotic classic Saare Jahan Se Accha. With visible emotion, Salman concluded the performance by folding his hands in respect, followed by his signature salaam. The video closed with a poignant display of the Indian tricolour. His caption was simple yet powerful: “Happy Independence Day”, accompanied by the national flag emoji.
The day also marked a milestone in Salman’s film career — 13 years since the release of his blockbuster Ek Tha Tiger (2012) opposite Katrina Kaif. Adding to the day’s significance for Salman Khan was the 13th anniversary of Ek Tha Tiger, the blockbuster that marked the beginning of the YRF Spyverse. Director Kabir Khan, who brought the 2012 action-romance starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif to life, marked the occasion with a heartfelt post on Instagram. Sharing rare behind-the-scenes snapshots, Kabir recalled how the film debuted with record-breaking numbers and set the stage for an expansive spy-action universe that continues to captivate audiences.
View this post on Instagram
In his note, Kabir reflected on the film’s unique achievement — delivering large-scale action sequences without heavy reliance on visual effects. He lauded Aditya Chopra for shaping Ek Tha Tiger into a cinematic milestone, merging high-scale action, refined aesthetics, and deep emotion for a global audience. The filmmaker described the project as not only a game-changer for the industry but also the start of a collaboration with Salman that remains close to his heart.
View this post on Instagram
Looking ahead, Salman is gearing up for his next big project — Battle of Galwan, directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film, based on the 2022 India-China Galwan Valley conflict, will feature the actor in high-octane action sequences shot under challenging conditions in Ladakh.
Describing the shoot as “physically demanding,” Salman shared that while such preparation once took him a week or two, it now involves intense routines of running, kicking, and punching to meet the film’s requirements. Breaking from his tradition of Eid premieres, Battle of Galwan is scheduled to hit theatres in January.
The actor also hinted that a sequel to his 2015 hit Bajrangi Bhaijaan is in the works, keeping his fans excited for what’s to come.
From revisiting a milestone in his cinematic journey to paying tribute to the nation, Salman Khan’s Independence Day was a perfect blend of nostalgia, patriotism, and promise for the future of his filmography.