Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has dominated the silver screen for over three decades, beloved by fans for his macho charm and action-hero roles. However, the actor’s controversial off-screen behavior has also garnered much attention and criticism over the years.
Salman has faced allegations ranging from domestic abuse, a fatal hit-and-run, and poaching endangered animals. He has also been accused of arrogance, toxic masculinity, and mistreating colleagues in the film industry.
Despite his legal troubles and problematic behavior, Salman remains a bankable star with a huge fanbase. But his actions have impacted some relationships in Bollywood.
Former girlfriends Aishwarya Rai and Katrina Kaif have reportedly felt the brunt of his behavior. Industry peers like Shahid Kapoor and Sanjay Leela Bhansali have also spoken against Salman’s conduct. Others have labeled him aggressive, egotistical and chauvinistic.
Still, Salman dismisses these criticisms, refusing to apologize for behavior he insists is innocuous. He rebuts media charges of villainy, asking if he behaves like a real-life villain. Salman contends that the media has exaggerated accounts of his conduct, wrongly painting him as an industry bully.
Indeed, Salman’s popularity remains cemented. Despite resentment from some quarters, his films continue achieving record-breaking success.
While a few industry members have distanced themselves, several directors and actors continue working with Salman. It’s possible that his dominance shields him from lasting damage for actions that would sink most careers.
The public too seems divided – many celebrate Salman as an everyday hero while others condemn his toxic masculinity.
As allegations and controversies pile up, the question remains whether Salman Khan has become too big to fail in Bollywood. For now, his star power shows little sign of fading even after three decades in the spotlight.
But it’s up to Salman if he wants to rehabilitate his image as an industry tyrant. The first step may be acknowledging, instead of dismissing, years of problematic behavior.