In a dramatic escalation of ongoing tensions, veteran Bollywood screenwriter Salim Khan has come forward publicly in defense of his son, superstar Salman Khan, amidst serious threats made by notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Salman Khan, a staple of Indian cinema and one of its most bankable stars, has become entangled in a prolonged legal battle over his alleged involvement in the infamous Blackbuck poaching case, a matter that continues to haunt him years down the line.
Lawrence Bishnoi, who recently acknowledged his involvement in the assassination of NCP leader Baba Siddique, has redirected his focus on Salman Khan, issuing menacing demands for reparation and an apology. According to Bishnoi, the alleged killing of a blackbuck, an animal revered by his community, at the hands of Salman Khan has brought disgrace to them, and as a result, he is calling for justice in his own terms, which includes an apology or facing grave consequences.
Salim Khan, renowned for his contributions to Indian cinema and the fatherly pillar in Salman’s life, has robustly supported his son through various ups and downs of his career and personal life. Reacting to Bishnoi’s demands, Salim Khan has steadfastly refuted the accusations against his son, asserting that Salman Khan has no cause to seek forgiveness as he maintains his innocence of the charges levied against him. “There’s no truth to these claims,” said Salim Khan in a candid interview with ABP News. “I have always stood by Salman because I know his true nature. He has assured me time and again that he was not present when the incident took place. He was not in the car; he wasn’t even near the location of the incident. As a father, I trust him completely. He has never lied to me.”
As the echo of Hollywood and Bollywood reverberates with glamour and success, for many celebrities like Salman Khan, such glitz may become a double-edged sword. Legal troubles and unwelcome attention can detract from their cinematic achievements. Salman, whose imposing screen presence has drummed up countless box-office hits, now finds his life shadowed intermittently by the specter of this case.
Salim Khan addressed the idea of apology with a different perspective, noting the serious implications behind an apology. “To apologise would imply admitting guilt—a guilt Salman simply cannot be held accountable for because he had no part in such an act.
. Mafi mangna ka matlab yeh hai ki maine ghalti ki hai. But Salman never committed any harm. Salman ney kabhi kisi jaanwar ko nahi maara. Even things as insignificant as a cockroach, we don’t believe in harming. This is our belief,” Salim stated emphatically.
His comments pose bigger questions not just about Salman’s plight, but also on broader themes of morality and justice in high-profile judicial affairs. Salim Khan further articulated frustration, posing rhetorical questions about the nature of justice itself. “If Salman were to apologise, it would mean asking forgiveness for a deed he didn’t do. Has everyone who demands an apology shown readiness to save lives, admit to their own wrongs, or live cleanly by example? Salman has been wrongfully accused and, therefore, hasn’t reached out for forgiveness.”
This unfolding drama has painted a striking portrait of an illustrious family unit rallying in the face of adversity. By highlighting the absence of definitive evidence and perceived misjudgements, Salim Khan made an impassioned plea for examining the evidence, raising the moral dimensions of legal assumptions, and deliberations on celebrity cases. “Salman kissey jaake maafi maangey? Who should he apologise to? Have the accusers seen him commit a crime or done proper investigations? We have never even used a gun. This cycle of unanchored allegations, we do not deserve it.”
The reverberations from these developments underscore the complexities and burdens faced by public figures under constant media scrutiny, from which balancing personal integrity and public expectations emerges as both an art and a constant struggle. To fans, Salman remains a beloved figure either hailed for his on-screen charisma or occasionally criticized for decisions off-screen. Meanwhile, for those who hold him dear, like his father, he’s also the Salman that innocence preserves, and whom they will defend to the last.
