In a saga that continues to shadow Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, the infamous Blackbuck poaching case resurfaces, drawing public attention away from the silver screen and back to a decades-long controversy. Amidst this fresh wave of the long-standing legal drama, former actress Somy Ali recently came forward with an apology to the Bishnoi community on behalf of the actor. However, the President of the All India Bishnoi Society, Devendra Budiya, insists that the Bishnoi community would only contemplate forgiveness if Salman Khan himself extended a personal apology.
The allegations against Khan date back to a night in September 1998, when during the shoot of Sooraj Barjatya’s family drama ‘Hum Saath Saath Hain’, Khan and his co-stars Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam were implicated in the hunting of the blackbucks at Bawad in Mathania, near Jodhpur. While the star-studded cast enjoyed cinematic success, the off-screen incident sparked uproar, given that blackbucks are a protected species and hold cultural significance for the Bishnoi community, known for their staunch environmental conservation and wildlife protection values.
In a gesture motivated by reconciliation, Somy Ali extended an apology two days prior, yet the community’s unequivocal response, voiced by Devendra Budiya, made it clear that the community expected direct accountability from Khan himself. Budiya stipulated that Khan not only apologize but also make a tangible commitment to wildlife preservation, suggesting a visit to the temple to seek forgiveness and an oath pledging to never repeat such an act.
The controversy has seen its share of legal proceedings, with Salman Khan being handed a five-year rigorous imprisonment sentence in 2018, though currently, he is out on bail. The sentence was a result of a protracted legal battle that has included various appeals and has undeniably cast a shadow over Khan’s otherwise illustrious career.
The severity and impact of the case were once again starkly illustrated when, on April 14, gunshots rang out near Salman’s Mumbai residence, a direct threat believed to be orchestrated by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, purportedly due to the unresolved poaching case. This dark turn of events served as a catalyst for Somy Ali’s public apology, seemingly aimed at quelling hostile tensions.
Away from the courtrooms and controversies, Salman Khan remains a bankable star in Bollywood. His recent action thriller ‘Tiger 3’ succeeded at the box office and showcased his enduring appeal. Khan collaborates next with celebrated director AR Murugadoss in ‘Sikandar’, with Rashmika Mandanna featuring as the female lead, indicative of his continued prominence in the industry.
As the Bishnoi community’s demand for a personal apology hangs in the balance, Salman Khan’s legal and public relations teams may well determine the course of this ongoing saga. The case delves into issues beyond mere celebrity wrongdoings; it taps into cultural conservation, wildlife protection ethics, and the intricate relationship between public figures and their social responsibilities. It remains to be seen how Salman Khan intends to navigate this complex chapter and whether his actions will align with the apologetic sentiments expressed.
The Blackbuck case serves as a stark reminder that despite the glitz and glamour associated with Bollywood, its icons are not above the law nor immune to the consequences of their actions—both legally and in the court of public opinion. As with any such matter, the merging of celebrity stardom with sensitive cultural issues continues to captivate audiences, both supporters and critics alike, as the saga unfolds. (With inputs from IANS)
