Mahesh Manjrekar calls Salman Khan 'Devmanus': 'Bhiu nako, mi tujhya pathishi aahe'

Veteran filmmaker and actor Mahesh Manjrekar recently referred to Salman Khan as a “Devmanus” — a term often associated with goodness and divine support — although he admits Salman might not appear to fit that mould at first glance. Manjrekar made these comments while promoting his upcoming Marathi film titled Devmanus.
In an interview with India Today, Manjrekar shared, “One man who would really never ever look like a Devmanus, who I sometimes take for granted — is Salman Khan. I don’t mention his name, but he is always there for you.”

Reflecting on their personal history, Manjrekar revealed that Salman extended his support even before the two had shared screen space or collaborated professionally. He recalled an incident from a particularly low point in his life when he unexpectedly received a call from Salman. “We had never worked together then. But I had some problem, and out of the blue he called me on my landline and said, ‘Don’t worry, everything will be fine.’ It felt like that Marathi saying — ‘Bhiu nako, mi tujhya pathishi aahe’ (Don’t be afraid, I’m right behind you) — and he has always been there since then.”
The duo went on to work together for the first time in Dabangg, and their professional relationship only grew stronger from there. Manjrekar has since featured in multiple films starring Salman Khan.
He also pointed out that their bond stands apart because of the honesty he maintains in their conversations. “I’m not part of that clique who always praises him for whatever he does. I’m very honest with him — and sometimes that becomes a problem. But I do it because I genuinely like him. Others aren’t honest; they just want to stay close to him.”
Manjrekar further described his current state of mind, saying, “Mera kuch nahi hai, I’m a fakir. Let me be, I’ll just sit quietly at home. But genuinely, he is a wonderful guy.”
Directed by Tejas Prabha Vijay Deoskar, Devmanus features Renuka Shahane, Subodh Bhave, and Siddharth Bodke in significant roles. The film is slated for a theatrical release on April 25.