On Tuesday night, filmmaker Nikkhil Advani penned an emotional tribute to superstar Salman Khan. Posting photos of the two together, Nikkhil looked back on their years-long friendship and recalled Salman‘s support during a tough time in his career.

Nikkhil Advani’s heartfelt tribute to Salman Khan

“When I needed him the most, he called and put his hand on my shoulder. Suddenly everything seemed not to be so dark anymore. 20 yrs later, when I was proud of the work that I have done and wanted to show it to him, he once again put his hand on my shoulder. I am forever grateful @beingsalmankha #TheRevolutionaries @bhuvan.bam22,” Nikkhil wrote in the caption.

Nikkhil Advani and Salman Khan’s screening with Bhuvan Bam

This note comes after Salman invited Nikkhil and Bhuvan Bam over to his Galaxy residence for a special screening of The Revolutionaries. Bhuvan had earlier posted pictures from the screening, writing, “Revolutionaries dil mein aate hain, dimaag mein nahi. Watched the show with @beingsalmankhan at his house. A huge thank you to our captain @nikkhiladvani for trusting me with this project and taking The Revolutionaries all the way to Galaxy. Quite literally.”In the first photo posted by Nikkhil, Salman is seen with his arm draped around the director’s neck, a gesture that captures their easy camaraderie. The second picture was taken during their recent screening of ‘The Revolutionaries’.

Nikkhil Advani and Salman Khan’s ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’ connection

Salman and Nikkhil’s professional ties date back to 2007, when Nikkhil helmed the multi-starrer romantic drama ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’, which saw Salman share screen space with an ensemble cast including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Anil Kapoor, Juhi Chawla, Akshaye Khanna, John Abraham, Vidya Balan, and Govinda.

Nikkhil Advani and Salman Khan’s ‘Hero’ collaboration

Years later, their partnership carried forward with 2015’s ‘Hero’, directed by Nikkhil and co-produced by Salman. The film introduced Sooraj Pancholi and Athiya Shetty to the big screen. As per Nikkhil, Salman also played a hands-on role in the making of the film, weighing in on aspects like casting, music, and editing.Nikkhil Advani’s other workAside from his projects with Salman, Nikkhil has helmed films such as ‘Kal Ho Naa Ho’, ‘Chandni Chowk to China’, ‘Patiala House’, ‘D-Day’, ‘Katti Batti’, and ‘Vedaa’. His credits also extend to producing ‘Airlift’, along with television work on ‘Mumbai Diaries’, ‘Rocket Boys’, and ‘Freedom at Midnight’.