On June 24, 2025, Bollywood icon Salman Khan opened up about his ongoing struggle with trigeminal neuralgia, a debilitating nerve disorder dubbed the “suicide disease” for its intense pain, during a promotional event for Sikandar in Dubai. Speaking to journalists, the 59-year-old star, known for action-packed hits like Bajrangi Bhaijaan, also revealed grappling with a brain aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation (AVM), conditions that amplify his health challenges. His candid remarks, made while reflecting on personal resilience amid industry pressures, have sparked widespread support and awareness, resonating with 70 million social media followers in India’s ₹101 billion entertainment sector.
The Agony of Trigeminal Neuralgia
Khan first disclosed his diagnosis in 2011 before Bodyguard’s release, undergoing surgery in the US to address trigeminal neuralgia, a condition affecting the trigeminal nerve that causes excruciating, electric-shock-like pain in the face. Triggered by routine actions like talking or brushing teeth, the disorder affects 4-5 per 100,000 people annually, often women over 50, per neurologists. “I’m out here breaking bones, ribs fractured, working despite trigeminal neuralgia,” Khan shared, describing episodes so severe they once sparked suicidal thoughts. The pain, which can last seconds to minutes multiple times daily, disrupts life, yet Khan persists, filming high-energy sequences for Sikandar (set for Eid 2026).
Aneurysm and AVM: Hidden Threats
Beyond neuralgia, Khan revealed battling a brain aneurysm—a weakened blood vessel at risk of rupture, potentially fatal—and AVM, an abnormal vessel tangle that can cause seizures or hemorrhages. “There’s an aneurysm, AVM malformation, and I’m still carrying on,” he said, highlighting his grit. These conditions, affecting 2-5% of people unknowingly, demand careful management, with doctors advising against intense physical strain. Khan’s openness underscores the toll of chronic illness, even for a superstar synonymous with invincibility, as he juggles demanding shoots and public expectations.
A Star’s Silent Strength
Salman Khan’s battle with trigeminal neuralgia, aneurysm, and AVM isn’t just personal—it’s a call to destigmatize chronic illness. In Bollywood’s high-stakes world, his courage asks: Can vulnerability redefine heroism? As fans rally, his story proves true strength lies in enduring pain to inspire millions.
-By Manoj H