Over the years, Salman Khan has become synonymous with stardom, discipline (on set), and sometimes, unfiltered candor. But according to filmmakers Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, there’s an often-overlooked facet of his personality—his remarkable control, even in the most unpredictable environments. While reminiscing about the making of their 2005 romantic drama Lucky: No Time for Love, the directorial duo shared an anecdote involving Salman that not only highlighted his level-headed nature but also threw light on an unexpected cultural clash on the set in Russia.
In an interview revisiting the behind-the-scenes moments of their debut directorial film, Radhika and Vinay recounted a particular incident involving the local Russian crew and their overly enthusiastic confidence. The scene in question was a party sequence, which eventually turned into an unplanned real-life party, thanks to the Russian unit’s unconventional approach to filming—and their fondness for alcohol.
“The Russian crew was supremely talented and very professional in many ways,” recalled Vinay Sapru. “But they also had their own way of doing things. One day, they decided to throw a small wrap party after a long shooting schedule. What started as a celebration quickly turned into something much wilder than we had anticipated.”
As vodka bottles circulated freely and laughter echoed across the set, the Indian crew watched cautiously. But what stood out, according to the directors, was Salman Khan’s unwavering composure. “Everyone around him was either dancing wildly, intoxicated, or just overwhelmed by the vibe. And Salman? He was calm, grounded, and didn’t even sway,” said Radhika Rao. “It was incredible. He was the eye of the storm.”
According to them, Salman’s refusal to indulge heavily in alcohol during work hours wasn’t just a personal preference—it was a part of his strong work ethic. “Despite the chaos, he remained focused and alert. At one point, some of the Russian team members got so carried away that we had to halt the shoot for the next day because no one was in a condition to work. But Salman was ready and waiting the next morning as if nothing had happened.”
This wasn’t the only time the international shoot location posed challenges. Radhika and Vinay recalled how shooting in St. Petersburg, amid freezing temperatures and logistical hurdles, required adaptability and patience. But what gave them a sense of stability, they said, was Salman’s silent leadership and his ability to stay calm when things spun out of control.
“There’s a misconception about Salman that he’s only a larger-than-life star,” Vinay said. “But behind the scenes, he’s incredibly disciplined. He may be known for his macho roles and bold persona, but on set, he is laser-focused. When chaos ensues—whether it’s from a crew that’s had a bit too much to drink or a sudden shift in weather—he doesn’t panic. He anchors the set.”
Lucky: No Time for Love, which marked the debut of actress Sneha Ullal and showcased a soft, romantic side of Salman Khan, may not have been a blockbuster in the traditional sense, but it remains memorable for its aesthetic visuals and heartfelt storytelling. Shot almost entirely in Russia, it was a visually rich project, albeit one with its fair share of production challenges.
This behind-the-scenes story has now resurfaced and gone viral, especially among fans who enjoy hearing about lesser-known moments from the superstar’s career. Social media users have praised Salman’s sense of responsibility, calling him “the ultimate professional” and “a steady hand in unpredictable situations.”
In an industry where chaos can often take over the calm, especially during large international shoots, Salman Khan’s conduct during the Lucky shoot has become yet another example of how true stars lead by example—not just in front of the camera, but behind it too. And while the Russian crew may have let the vodka flow a little too freely that night, the incident only served to highlight the rock-solid professionalism of Bollywood’s beloved Bhaijaan.
