Why Is Bollywood Silent On Salman Khan's 'Rape' Remark?

Three days after Salman Khan stirred up an outrage with his 'rape' remark, the storm refuses to die down. Mainly because the actor has maintained a stoic silence even as his father and brother came out to clarify the comment and even apologise on his behalf. In the meantime, a few voices that came out against him online have been brutally silenced. In the din, what is conspicuous by its blatant absence are voices decrying Salman's tactless remarks

Why Is The Industry Mum?

An industry which came down heavily on stand-up comic Tanmay Bhat over his Snapchat parody lampooning Sachin Tendulkar and Lata Mangeshkar is strangely silent this time.

The ever vocal fraternity, which spares no time in voicing its opinion on every significant issue involving a celebrity, has chosen to stay mum over this one. In doing so, Bollywood is not just turning a blind eye to Salman's actions but their non-action can be perceived as a tacit support to the bumbling star.

The outspoken Anurag Kashyap, too, took a soft stand on the issue. The filmmaker batted for Salman, assuming the actor must be sorry for his words and should be given few days to apologise. No matter what, we loved your little courage Mr Kashyap. If only you had taken a stronger stand and accepted the fact that Bhai never apologises for anything.

Ironically, the flag bearer of feminism and Salman's co-star in Sultan, Anushka Sharma, who is also known for speaking her mind out, has stayed silent on the issue.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Subhash Ghai went a step ahead to show an out-and-out support to Salman. “He was just describing what a rape victim feels like and doesn't need to apologise for it,” he reasoned.

Nawazzudin Siddhiqui, who has worked with Salman in Kick and Bajrangi Bhaijaan, gave his co-star the benefit of doubt. He said, "Main soch lun pehle thoda (let me think about it first)", then continued with, "Koi mistake ho gayi hogi. Insaan se galti hoti hai (He must have made a mistake, humans do make mistakes)."

Sona Mohapatra, the only person who took a strong stand was ridiculously trolled by the Salman's fans on Social Media. While the singer took it all in her stride standing by her statement, not all in the industry could do that. And the question still remains, why?

His Story of Intimidation Tactics

Salman may be a commercially successful star but he is no role model. The man is known to be self-centred and is notorious for his mood swings. From reported physical abuse of women in his life to intimidating his fellow actors and his comments on women in 'Bigg Boss' and 26/11 attacks are known to all.

He maybe a god-like figure for his fans but that does not bestow on him the license to pass insensitive remarks and then take it casually as if nothing has happened. It is time the founder of Being Human displayed his humane qualities.