After shooting for four films back-to-back, the actor is practicing social-distancing with fitness, freshly-grown produce and artwork
Himesh Mankad (MUMBAI MIRROR; March 26, 2020)

Last week, the film and TV industry came to a standstill after film bodies called all productions to stop work in light of the Coronavirus pandemic. With no shoots or other work commitments, and responding to the nation-wide call for self-isolation to help contain the outbreak, Salman Khan has whisked off his Khan-daan and dogs to his Panvel farmhouse, the property that routinely gains traction as the venue for his birthday parties. “He was to shoot for (the Prabhudheva-directed action-thriller) Radhe in Mumbai till the month-end, but when the shoot was cancelled, he rushed off to the farmhouse, his favourite place when he is not working,” revealed a source close to the development.

With the 54-year-old actor is his younger sister, Arpita, and her actor-husband, Aayush Sharma. “Salman is fond of kids and wants to spend time with Arpita, Aayush and their kids Ahil and Ayat (who shares her birthday with her actor-uncle),” the source informed.

In the last two years, Salman has worked back-to-back on four films— Race 3, Bharat, Dabangg 3 and Radhe. According to the source, it was around 100 days of shoot on each film, followed by month-long promotional campaigns. “The only vacation Salman took in this period was in December, for his birthday and the New Year holidays,” added the source, saying that at the farmhouse, which is named after Arpita, he is using the amenities to keep himself and those around him fit and busy.

“There’s a big in-house gym, which has ensured that Salman’s workout regimen is not interrupted. He goes on impromptu treks in the area around. Since the property is spread across acres of land, there are dirt bikes, ATVs, bullets and jeeps to get around the premises. Sometimes, he also goes out to harvest fresh fruits and vegetables. Everyone is served home-cooked food made with in-house farm produce,” the source shares, adding that Salman is also using the time to hone his charcoal-painting skills. While the actor had shared one of his most recent works on Instagram (pictured) last week, more artwork, including some portraits, is in progress.

Salman’s parents, Salim and Salma Khan, are at the family home in Bandra since it wasn’t advisable for them to travel and be around too many people. The actor will return to the city once the situation stabilises.

Hours after wife Arpita Khan Sharma gives birth to a baby girl, Aayush Sharma on giving Salman Khan the best birthday gift he could ask for!
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; December 28, 2019)

Salman Khan couldn't have asked for a better birthday gift — the superstar turned mamujaan again as sister Arpita Khan Sharma gave birth to baby daughter Ayat on Friday afternoon. Aayush Sharma was by Arpita's side throughout the day as friends and members of the Khan-daan made rounds of Hinduja Healthcare Surgical in Khar to meet the latest addition to the family.

When mid-day spoke to Sharma, the second-time daddy — the couple is parents to three-year-old Ahil — was naturally over the moon. "I always wanted a daughter. Arpita and Ahil were hoping for a boy. Thank God, it's a girl! The family is complete now. [What makes it more special] is that Ayat is the first girl born in my family [the Sharmas]," he beamed.

Holding little Ayat in his arms was a precious feeling, said Sharma. "I thought I was [emotionally] ready because it's my second time as a father, but I felt overwhelmed on seeing her. Having a baby is an indescribable feeling."

On Friday evening, an overjoyed Salman took to Twitter to thank Arpita and Sharma for bringing the little bundle of joy into his life. In the final months of her pregnancy, it was reported that Arpita and Sharma were keen that their baby share her birthday with her famous mamujaan, and had accordingly scheduled a C-section for December 27. "It's a mere coincidence that the baby's due date came around Bhai's birthday. When I told him about Ayat's arrival, he was excited."

Hiren Kotwani (MUMBAI MIRROR; December 28, 2019)

Aayush and Arpita Khan Sharma welcomed their second child, daughter Ayat, on Friday at a Khar hospital. The new mother had opted for a C-section on December 27, so it would coincide with elder brother Salman Khan’s 54th birthday.

Aayush, who began shooting for his second film, Kwatha, earlier this week, took a 10-day break to be by Arpita’s side. “I have a two-month outdoor shoot coming up, so I wanted to be at home before that”, says the actor, adding that he is better prepared to be a father after welcoming son Ahil three years ago.

The couple had arranged for a makeshift nursery for their second child as their Bandra home is undergoing renovations. “We’re making our home more baby-friendly and creating a bigger space for Ahil. There will be two new rooms for the kids, with separate sections for both,” informs the new father. Aayush goes on to add that Ahil was excited about the new arrival but also concerned. “Now, he’s being the protective elder brother and telling everyone that they need his permission to meet Ayat.”