Salman Khan’s Stern ‘10 Steps Away’ Warning to Paparazzi: Protects Niece Ayat from Crowd Chaos at Mumbai Event

At a Mumbai event, Salman Khan firmly told paparazzi to stay “10 steps away” from his niece Ayat, prioritizing her safety and urging them to back off from the crowd

Bollywood star Salman Khan is known to share a close and fierce bond with his niece and nephews, a glimpse of which was seen at an event in Mumbai on Sunday. The entire Khan family attended an event in the city, and while at it, Salman was seen warning the paparazzi against getting too close to his niece, Ayat.

In a video that has now gone viral, Salman can be seen being the protective mamu to Ayat as they exited the event in the city. While the actor was surrounded by his team, little Ayat clung on to her mamu’s arm. As the paps went berserk to capture Salman, Ayat looked visibly confused and scared by all the commotion and that is when her doting uncle stepped in to her rescue

“Chalo chalo peeche… Dus kadam door. Bacchi saath mein hai. Aage badho,” he was seen sternly telling the paps while he held on tightly to Ayat

For those unversed, Ayat is the daughter of Salman’s sister, Arpita Khan, who got married to actor Aayush Sharma in November 2014. In 2016, they were blessed with their firstborn son, Ahil, and in 2019, they welcomed their second child, daughter Ayat, that too on Salman’s birthday (December 27).

As for Salman, the actor is currently facing a low phase at the box office, but he is set to bounce back soon with his next, titled Battle Of Galwan. The film is based on the 2020 conflict between Indian and Chinese forces in the Galwan Valley, and it also stars Chitrangada Singh

While not much has been revealed about Salman’s role in the film yet, it promises to show the actor in a new light, much different from the kind of characters he has been playing of late

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, known for his larger-than-life persona and protective nature toward his family, made headlines once again after issuing a stern warning to paparazzi at a recent Mumbai event. The incident occurred when photographers attempted to capture close-up shots of his young niece, Ayat Sharma, prompting Salman to step in and ensure her safety.

The star, who has always maintained a close bond with his family, was attending a public gathering where several celebrities were present. Ayat, the daughter of Salman’s sister Arpita Khan Sharma and actor Aayush Sharma, was accompanying him. As the media frenzy began, a group of photographers rushed forward to get exclusive pictures. However, things quickly became overwhelming, with the crowd closing in around the little girl.

Noticing the situation, Salman Khan immediately addressed the paparazzi, firmly instructing them to maintain their distance. He was heard saying, “10 kadam door raho” (Stay 10 steps away) — a clear and strong message to back off. His intervention ensured that Ayat remained comfortable and protected, avoiding any unnecessary distress in the chaotic environment.

This moment highlighted Salman’s strong stance on respecting children’s privacy, especially in public spaces. The actor has previously spoken about the importance of keeping young family members away from the intense glare of media attention, allowing them to enjoy a normal upbringing. His actions reflect an ongoing conversation in Bollywood regarding paparazzi culture, particularly when it comes to minors.

Eyewitnesses at the event reported that Salman’s tone was assertive but calm, making it clear he was not against the photographers doing their job — but that there should be boundaries. Many fans on social media praised him for prioritizing Ayat’s comfort over publicity, calling the move a sign of genuine care and responsibility.

Videos of the incident quickly went viral, sparking debates among netizens about how far the paparazzi should be allowed to go when photographing celebrities’ children. Some argued that as public figures, stars and their families inevitably attract attention, while others supported Salman’s stance, stressing that children should always be off-limits unless parents give explicit consent.

Over the years, Salman Khan has been vocal about safeguarding his family’s personal space. Whether it is about avoiding media interactions for his younger relatives or ensuring their privacy during festivals and vacations, he has set clear boundaries. In this instance, his “10 steps away” rule served as a symbolic reminder for the press to respect personal space.

The incident also adds to the ongoing discourse in Bollywood about the balance between celebrity culture and personal privacy. Other actors, such as Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Anushka Sharma, have also taken strong measures to limit paparazzi exposure for their children, urging media professionals to act responsibly.

In the world of constant media coverage, Salman Khan’s protective gesture stood out as a moment where compassion took precedence over camera flashes. For Ayat, it was more than just her uncle’s care — it was a shield from the overwhelming chaos that often accompanies celebrity life.

Salman Khan’s Stern ‘10 Steps Away’ Warning to Paparazzi: Protects Niece Ayat from Crowd Chaos at Mumbai Event