Saqib Saleem reveals Salman Khan's heartwarming birthday surprise during 'Race 3' shoot; 'That day I realized, this man is just pure gold'

Actor and producer Saqib Saleem has shared a touching memory involving Salman Khan from the sets of 'Race 3'.Speaking to Variety India, Saqib recalled how the superstar surprised him on his birthday despite going through a difficult phase in his personal life.

The actor said the incident strengthened their relationship and remains one of his fondest memories from the film.Saqib also opened up on his experience of joining the star-studded cast of Race 3, which featured Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Bobby Deol and

Jacqueline Fernandez

under the direction of

Remo D'Souza

. Although he was working alongside some of the industry's biggest names, Saqib said Salman ensured everyone on the set felt comfortable and welcomed.

Saqib Saleem wanted to Invite Salman Khan to his birthday party

Looking back at the final days of the film's shoot in April 2018, Saqib revealed that his birthday was approaching and he was unsure how to invite Salman to his celebration. Recalling the conversation, he said, “We were shooting for ‘Race’ on April 2. It was our last day and my birthday was April 8. I told bhai, ‘Bhai, it’s my birthday on April 8.’ And I was wondering how do I tell him, ‘I’m thinking of throwing a party, will you come?’”According to Saqib, Salman immediately accepted the invitation without giving it a second thought.

He recalled the actor's response, “He just looked at me and said, ‘Of course I’ll come.’” However, events soon took an unexpected turn. Salman was sent to jail in connection with his legal case, prompting Saqib to cancel his birthday plans. Salman returned to Mumbai on April 7 after being granted bail. Saqib remembered watching the news on television before receiving a call from Bobby Deol, who suggested visiting Salman at his residence.

Sharing the moment, Saqib said, “He came back from jail on April 7, and we were watching it live on television. They said he had left the airport and he’s on his way home. So Bobby sir called me and said, ‘Listen, we’ll go. Say hi. He’s come. We’ll go.’ And I’ve forgotten that my birthday party, whatever.” When Saqib reached Galaxy Apartments, he found Salman surrounded by well-wishers. Thinking it wasn't the right moment to stay longer, he quietly informed the actor that he was leaving.

He recalled, “It was 11 pm, and I decided to sneak out quietly. So I went to him and told him, ‘Bhai, I will see you. I have to go somewhere.’ He said, ‘Wait a minute. Where are you going? Will you eat anything?’ I kept saying no, but he kept asking me to wait for 10 minutes.”

'Three cakes and a birthday gift'

A few moments later, Saqib received a surprise that he never saw coming. As the clock struck midnight, Salman arranged a birthday celebration complete with cakes and a gift.

Remembering the emotional moment, Saqib shared, “At 12 o’clock, there were three cakes and a birthday gift for me. And I just kept looking at him. I remember thinking, ‘You are going through so much in your personal life, but you remembered.’ I’m sure somebody else ordered that cake and somebody else got that gift.

But he thought about it. That day I realized, this man is just pure gold. The way he thinks about you, it’s lovely.”

A friendship that continues

Reflecting on the years that followed, Saqib said the incident marked the beginning of a meaningful relationship with Salman Khan. He concluded, “Since then, it’s one of my nicest friendships or other relationships I have with senior people in the business. It’s one of them.”On the work front, Salman Khan is preparing for the release of 'Maatrubhumi', previously titled 'Battle of Galwan'. The action drama is directed by

Apoorva Lakhia

.