Respect CBFC, says Salman

The superstar reveals his candid self at a media event

Salman Khan finds it confusing to gauge the right and the wrong in the row over Padmavati. However, he said a controversy around a film only leads to loss. As the protests around Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s epic continue, Salman spoke about it during a session at an event. “No one gains from a controversy around a film, and only leads to loss. The film gets delayed, people panic and refrain from going to theatres. In fact, theatre owners also get scared that the screening of the film might lead to protest outside their cinema halls.”

“I don’t think it’s fair to hurt anyone’s sentiments or to comment on a film without seeing it first,” added the actor, who worked with Bhansali in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

Talking further about the issue around Padmavati, Salman said: “In this case, there are so many developments, we don’t know what is right and what is wrong. Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) and Supreme Court need to take a decision. We will respect the decision that CBFC takes as it is a government body.”

He even brought up the touchy issue of religion and its impact on everyday life.  “There is no religion in our industry. My dad is a Muslim, my mother is a Hindu and I call myself insaan. When someone addresses us with Ram Ram or Jai Shree Ram, we don’t object to it or refuse to acknowledge the gesture. I don't think any of us have that problem here. We all have Hindu and Muslim relatives.”

He also expressed his views on the controversy around Harvey Weinstein and the ongoing dilouge about sexual harassment in the industry. Taking advantage of someone, he felt, in return for work is the most disgusting thing ever.

On existence of casting couch in Bollywood,   he said, “I have never come across or heard of such an incident. But if I ever hear of it, I will take that person to the cleaners.” He added, “The condition that you need to sleep with me to get this job done, is the most disgusting thing possible.”

Salaman revealed some interesting details about his life. “My life is no different from everybody else. I have led a life like everyone else. I have been working 24 hours every day since the age of 15 years. I used to sleep in vehicles.”

He didn’t shy away from taking a dig at the media. “Media is leaving Bollywood behind in screaming. In Bollywood, one person screams, in media everyone is doing that.” Added he, “I lead a boring life, but media makes it interesting.”

When asked what is the toughest part about being a superstar, he said, “Sometimes the dialogues that are written land me up in tricky situations and it is expected of me to live up to them.” Khan was speaking at a talk organsied by a leading media group.