Sanyukta Iyer (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 26, 2017)

Eid in 2013 was marked by superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan calling time on their decade-long cold war with a hug at politician-mutual friend Baba Siddiqui’s iftar party. Bollywood lore has it that Salman tapped a pony-tailed SRK on the shoulder, while the latter turned his attention away from a plate of assorted delicacies to give his friend-turned-foe and former co-star a warm hug. The picture that captured the moment fuelled headlines over the next few weeks, elevating all forthcoming iftar parties hosted by Baba to the status of must-watch events on the city’s social calendar.

But this year, on Saturday evening, Salman and SRK, who have shared a decidedly warmer equation ever since, arrived and exited separately at their first iftar appearance of the year. Khan patriarch Salim, along with wives Salma and Helen, son Sohail Khan, daughters Alvira with husband Atul Agnihotri, and Arpita with son Ahil, had already arrived when Sallu walked into the Bandra five-star at around 9pm. “Salman was at his jovial best, clicking selfies with fans and posing for the photographers. When he ribbed the paparazzi, announcing that they should have dinner now, they quipped that they were waiting for SRK to arrive and recreate the duo’s annual hug. Sallu responded with a cheeky smile and entered the venue with Baba where he was joined by the host’s son, Zeeshan,” a guest told Mirror, adding that a kid rushed to him with a bowl of sheer kurma and though he wasn’t supposed to be eating it, he obliged the young fan by taking a spoonful.

The 51-year-old actor then mingled with actor-composer Himesh Reshammiya, filmmakers Sajid Nadiadwala and Bhushan Kumar, father-son duo Aditya and Sooraj Pancholi, among others. Politicians Sushil Kumar Shinde, Prithviraj Chauhan and Ashok Chauhan were also present at the bash.

SRK, who had spent the entire day shooting for Aanand L Rai’s yetuntitled romance-drama at Film City, entered quietly from the hotel’s back entrance around 11:30pm. However, Salman had already made an exit by then. “SRK looked tired after a busy week and didn’t stay for too long but at Zeeshan’s behest, ate a kebab,” the guest informed.

While everyone thought SRK was headed home, the actor actually made a pit-stop at his neighbourturned- bestie’s residence for a quiet, post-iftar meeting.