Bangladeshi actress and dancer Mehbuba Mahnoor Chandni has recalled an extraordinary childhood experience involving Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, revealing that she did not wash the hand she had held during their meeting for seven days. The actress, who has admired Salman since childhood, recently revisited the encounter and shared photographs with the actor, bringing a cherished personal memory back into public view.

Chandni’s fascination with Salman began after watching his 1989 film Maine Pyar Kiya. The romantic drama helped establish him as a leading young star in Hindi cinema, and his growing popularity attracted a devoted following. Chandni was among those captivated by his screen presence. As a child, she displayed his photographs around her home, including on her bedroom door and beside her study table.

Over the years, she has spoken about her admiration for the actor in interviews. Recently, she shared two photographs with Salman on Facebook, accompanied by the caption, “With my Sallu.” She explained that the pictures were intended for those who had questioned the credibility of her account after watching her interviews.

A childhood dream finally came true

Recalling how she first met Salman, Chandni said the actor was expected to visit Bangladesh for an event around 1997 or 1998. Excited by the prospect of seeing her favourite star in person, she bought a ticket as soon as she heard the news.

Her excitement turned to disappointment when she learnt that the event would not take place for an unspecified reason. However, she did not abandon her hope of meeting the actor. Instead, she continued looking for another opportunity.

Her chance eventually came when she learnt that Salman had arrived in Bangladesh and was staying at the Sheraton Hotel in Dhaka, now known as InterContinental Dhaka.

Chandni went to the hotel with her mother, her friend Sadia Islam and their photographer, whom she affectionately referred to as Mohsin bhai. Although they initially struggled to arrange a meeting, they eventually obtained the location of the actor’s room.

When they arrived, Salman was alone. After seeking permission, Chandni was able to stand beside him.

At the time, she was still a schoolgirl. She introduced herself to the actor and asked to take a photograph with him. For a young fan who had spent years admiring the Bollywood star from afar, the opportunity was deeply meaningful.

An autograph she still remembers

One of the most vivid details of the encounter was the moment Salman asked Chandni’s name. She recalled holding his hand throughout their time together and cherishing the opportunity to be close to her favourite actor.

Salman later wrote a personal message in his autograph: “Chandni, for your Salman.”

The inscription became a treasured part of the experience. Chandni said she could still picture the moment when the actor asked her name and looked directly at her. She also remembered him as somewhat shy during their interaction.

For her, the encounter was memorable not simply because she met a famous actor, but because of the small personal gestures that made the experience feel special. The autograph, his question and the way he looked at her have remained vivid in her memory despite the passage of many years.

Seven days without washing her hand

Perhaps the most amusing part of Chandni’s story concerns what happened after she returned home. Overwhelmed by the excitement of meeting her idol, she did not wash the hand she had held during their encounter for an entire week.

Recalling the incident with laughter, she described it as an example of the intense enthusiasm she felt as a young fan. She explained that her admiration for Salman had been so strong that his photographs occupied several places in her home, including her bedroom.

Looking back, Chandni regards the decision as a piece of youthful madness. Yet the anecdote illustrates how deeply a childhood encounter with a beloved celebrity can affect a devoted admirer.

For many fans, meeting a film star can become a defining personal memory. A photograph, an autograph or a brief exchange may carry sentimental value long after the event itself has passed. Chandni’s experience reflects that familiar connection between celebrity culture and the emotions of young admirers.

The film that sparked her admiration

Chandni has said that her affection for Salman began with Maine Pyar Kiya, released in 1989. The film played an important role in establishing his popularity and remains an early milestone in his career. His subsequent success in Hindi cinema helped turn him into one of Bollywood’s most recognisable stars.

For Chandni, however, the connection was personal. Watching the film sparked an admiration that eventually inspired her to seek an opportunity to meet him in person.

Decades later, the photographs she shared on Facebook have revived that story. Her account of refusing to wash her hand for seven days may now seem amusing, but it captures the unfiltered excitement of a schoolgirl whose dream of meeting her favourite actor had finally come true.

The meeting was brief, yet its significance endured. The autograph, the photograph and the memory of holding Salman’s hand remain cherished reminders of a childhood dream fulfilled.