Bollywood Stands By Salman In His Darkest Hour

It has been a tumultuous day for the Khan family. Salman Khan has been sentenced to a 5-year jail term for the 2002 hit-and-run case by the Mumbai Sessions Court. As soon as the verdict was given out, the actor’s mother Salma took ill.

Relief came later in the day when the actors lawyer moved the High Court. Salman was granted interim bail of 48 hours in the evening. This has provided some consolation to his distraught family.  

However, one cant brush away the severity of the Sessions Court verdict that looms large over him. Needless to say, the verdict sent shock waves through Bollywood.
An industry, that is known to come together in difficult times, expressed its solidarity once again today.

Subhash Ghai said, “We all respect the court verdict but everyone in the film fraternity knows that Salman is an excellent human being and has done extraordinary community services. Now, he has appealed for justice in higher courts... I sincerely pray for him because he is a good and compassionate person.”

Sajid said, Im extremely saddened by the verdict. The Salman who committed the mistake was a different man from the one we know today. This Salman is so mature; hes not a callous guy. He does a lot of good work and is a kind-hearted man. I messaged Arbaaz in the morning but his interim bail is just temporary relief for him and his family.  

Abhishek Dogra, who made his directorial debut with the Arbaaz Khan production Dolly Ki Doli, was saddened by the news. (They are) one of the most genuine families and do not deserve this. Its unfair to them. We stand by Salman, he said.

A large section of the industry echoed Abhisheks sentiment. Not surprising since the actor is often playing the Good Samaritan be it to his colleagues or newbies trying to find a footing in the industry or to plain strangers. 

Music directors Sajid-Wajid are an example. The two have worked closely with Salman on many of his films and are almost family. Wajid said, I was watching the news since morning. I was home with my ailing mother but I couldnt get my mind off Salman bhai. I was saddened by the courts verdict. No doubt its the court judgment and we have to respect it. But were praying that the High Court considers the humane side of the man and gives him the least amount of punishment. 

Many of his close friends are looking beyond the bleak situation. The interim bail has been welcomed by his friends and well-wishers, and brought along a ray of hope in the otherwise dark spell. 

Ramesh Taurani said, The two hours between the Sessions Court verdict and the High Court relief were the longest two hours the whole Khan family has seen in their lives... Its a massive relief for his family and him that he is indeed going home tonight.  

In the same vein, Shakti Kapoor said, We are very close. I just hope everything works out for him from here, now that he is going home. Its good news that he has got an interim bail. Lets hope he never goes to jail. 

Sana Khan, who was given a break by Salman in Jai Ho, said, We were crying since last night. Its an accident and can happen to anyone. So many people end up in such cases but I think he is being dragged to court because he is a celebrity. He has apologised to everyone he had hurt that night. He gives people respect, life and livelihood. He has saved so many people... He has immensely helped the family of the deceased though no compensation matches the cost of a life. But how much can he also do?

Boney Kapoor acknowledges that Salman has a special place in his life. The producer said, My good wishes are with Salman, Salim saab and the family. May god give him and them the strength to sail through this issue.  The verdict is out and the courts decision has to be accepted but its good that he has got a two-day relief. I just pray that he gets a proper bail on Friday and pursues the matter further the way he wants to.

Earlier in the day, SpotboyE.com brought to you a report of how Bollywood expressed their support for Salman on Twitter.













(Tune in to SpotboyE.com The Show on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 9 pm and Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 1 pm on 9XM)