Salman Khan Addresses Age Gap With Rashmika Mandanna In Sikandar

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan addressed the conversation surrounding the 31-year age gap between him and his Sikandar co-star Rashmika Mandanna during a trailer launch event in Mumbai on March 23, 2025. At the event, the highly anticipated trailer for Sikandar was unveiled, showcasing Salman, 59, and Rashmika, 28, in their action-packed roles.

Salman Khan wasted no time in responding to critics who have been questioning the age difference between him and the much younger Rashmika. He humorously remarked, “Then they say there’s a 31-year age gap between me and the heroine. But if the heroine has no problem, and even her father has no issue, why do you have a problem, brother? When she gets married and has a daughter, I will work with her daughter too. Her mother’s permission will be sorted,” according to The Economic Times.

This light-hearted retort drew laughter from both Rashmika and the audience present at the trailer launch. Salman’s comments reflected his confidence in the pairing, which has raised eyebrows since the film was first announced, and he used the moment to highlight that the approval of the actress and her family matters far more than public speculation.

During this interaction, Salman also praised Rashmika’s impressive work ethic and dedication. Despite juggling a demanding schedule that included shooting for both Pushpa 2 and Sikandar, she maintained a strenuous work routine. “Rashmika was shooting for Pushpa 2 till 7 p.m. She would come to the Sikandar set at 9 p.m. and shoot with us till 6:30 a.m., and then go back to Pushpa 2. She was not well also. After breaking her leg, she continued to shoot, didn’t cancel a day. In many ways, she reminds me of a younger me,” Salman shared during the press interaction. This acknowledgment of her dedication further endeared Salman to the audience and highlighted the hard work both actors are putting into their performances.

The film, directed by A.R. Murugadoss, features a notable ensemble cast, including Kajal Aggarwal, Sathyaraj, Suniel Shetty, Sharman Joshi, and Prateik Babbar, alongside the lead pair of Salman and Rashmika. Fans are eagerly awaiting the film’s release, which is scheduled for March 30, 2025—a date that coincides with the festival of Eid, a period known to boost box office collections in Bollywood.

Salman was keen to reassure the audience of the film's potential for success at the box office, noting the strong emotional connection he has developed with his fan base over the years. “With years of experience, the enthusiasm is still there and it is getting easier,” he explained, highlighting his gratitude towards fans, who have consistently contributed to making his films blockbuster hits.

In addition to the theatrical release, Sikandar has also secured a lucrative streaming deal with Netflix for ₹85 crores, ensuring that after its run in cinemas, it will reach broader audiences on the streaming platform, further enhancing its visibility and profitability.

Salman Khan’s return to a lead role after Tiger 3 has raised high hopes among fans and critics alike, especially given the underwhelming box office performance of his last film. His collaboration with Rashmika Mandanna marks a significant pairing, as both actors come from different generations of the film industry, which adds an interesting dynamic to their on-screen portrayal of a romantic relationship.

As the April 30 release date approaches, anticipation for Sikandar is building not just due to the star power of Salman Khan, but also because of the anticipation surrounding Rashmika Mandanna as she continues to rise rapidly in popularity within Indian cinema, thanks in part to her hardworking nature and impressive performances.

Ultimately, Sikandar will showcase a larger-than-life story of resilience and the battle against crime, adding to Bollywood's rich tapestry of action cinema. As the countdown begins towards the film's release, both Salman and Rashmika remain optimistic about the audience's reception, sharing their excitement with fans across various platforms.