Recent sightings and social media activity have placed Salman Khan's changing physique under a microscope. A viral video showing the actor struggling to climb stairs, published on February 23, 2025, ignited public discussion regarding his fitness levels. This incident, occurring shortly before the trailer launch of his upcoming film 'Sikandar', fueled speculation among netizens.
The discourse intensified following a March 15, 2025, post by actress Adiba Hussain, which featured Khan at a Holi celebration on the 'Sikandar' set. While many admired his clean-shaven look, others openly questioned his apparent weight gain, debating its potential connection to his film role or as a natural evolution. Online comments directly linked his physical state to perceived difficulties in movement, with one user noting, "He needs to lose weight; he can't even walk properly."
This period of observation is not entirely novel for Khan. In October 2023, he was notably included in discussions alongside actors like Fardeen Khan and Prabhas concerning weight gain and subsequent public critique. At that time, his candidness about his own challenges was highlighted, presented as a message of self-acceptance. His public appearances then also attracted scrutiny, though he reportedly transformed his body for subsequent projects.
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Public Reactions and Defense
The scrutiny has not gone unnoticed by Khan's fanbase. A video surfacing around May 15, 2025, capturing Khan during a concert where his attire briefly revealed a noticeable abdomen, led to widespread trolling. In response, a segment of his audience actively defended him, framing the criticism as unfair body-shaming. Arguments presented by supporters include emphasizing his age – he reportedly turned 60 in December 2025 – and suggesting a need for more lenient public expectations. Fans have articulated sentiments such as, "He's 60! Let him be chubby," and pointed out the perceived unreasonableness of expecting him to "dance like a 20 year old."
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A History of Physical Transformation
Khan's career has seen periods of significant physical change, often dictated by his roles. A notable instance occurred after the filming of 'Sultan', where he had intentionally gained weight for his portrayal of a wrestler. He described this subsequent weight loss process in March 2017 as "painful." Reports also surfaced around April 14, 2025, suggesting Khan was intensely focused on gym activities following discussions about his weight, interpreted by some fans as a reaction to feeling "hurt."
Furthermore, the concept of medical-assisted weight loss has been associated with Khan, with the company 'Elevate Now' referencing his journey as an example of the importance of "hard work, discipline, and a structured approach to health."
Keywords: Salman Khan, Sikandar, Weight Gain, Fitness, Public Scrutiny, Fan Defense, Body Shaming, Sultan, Adiba Hussain.
