Superstar Salman Khan found himself in hot water once again after comparing himself to a "raped woman" while talking about the training schedule for “Sultan”. After his remarks sparked controversy, Salman's father and veteran screenwriter Salim Khan came forward to apologise for his son's statement.
Salman was responding to a query on his experience of shooting for his forthcoming film during a media interaction here on June 18.
Salim Khan contended that Salman meant no wrong when he said he felt like a "raped woman", but apologised on his behalf.
Salim Khan tweeted: “Undoubtedly, what Salman said is wrong, the simile, example and the context. The intention was not wrong. Nevertheless, I apologise on behalf of his family, his fans and his friends. Forgiveness is to pardon the unpardonable or it is no virtue at all.”
When Salman was asked how difficult it was to shoot wrestling scenes for the movie, he said: "While shooting during those six hours, there was so much of lifting and thrusting that it was unbelievable. If I was lifting a 120 kg person and dropping him down, I had to do it 10 times.
"(I did it) 10 times from five different angles. So, six-and-half or seven hours. Either, I was picking him and throwing (him) or else, he was picking me up and throwing me... So it was like the most difficult thing.
"When I used to walk out of the ring, I used to feel actually like a raped woman walking out... I don’t think you... It was most difficult... I couldn’t take steps. I would eat and then head right back to weight training. That couldn’t stop."
The comment sent social media users into a tizzy, with many slamming the actor for his "callous remark" after a website, SpotboyE, carried the detailed quotes of Salman as an "interview" on Monday.
Criticising Salman, who is one of the top paid celebrities in India, the National Commission for Women (NCW) asked him to furnish an apology within seven days.
NCW Chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam said Salman may be issued a summon if he failed to comply.
Asha Devi, mother of the infamous 2012 Delhi gang-rape victim, was "hurt" by Salman's remarks.
"He says he felt like a raped woman. What does he know of rape?" she told a news channel, trying to fight back tears.
Asha Devi's daughter Nirbhaya was brutalised in a moving bus in Delhi on the night of December 16, 2012. She died in a Singapore hospital after battling for life for several days at a Delhi hospital.
The controversy gained mileage in the virtual world with social media users slamming the “Kick” star.
One Twitter user posted: "Salman Khan says he felt like a 'raped woman'. Wow... What a way to express your tiredness", "If you are a Salman Khan fan, it's good, but if you support his pathetic statement, you are nothing but a disgusting creature".
However, several journalists who were present at the interaction session said Salman has been misquoted. No statement has been issued from the actor's side nor has he addressed the controversy on the digital platform.
Salman, whose journey in filmdom began with "Biwi Ho To Aisi" in 1988, and who came into the limelight following his act as Prem in the endearing love saga "Maine Pyar Kiya" in 1989, is one of the biggest box office draws in the country.
Salman is no stranger to controversies, be it the infamous 2002 hit-and-run case or the Blackbuck hunting case.
More recently, Salman stirred a hornet's nest by opposing the death penalty for 1993 Mumbai serial blasts convict Yakub Memon in 2015. He retracted the tweet later on.
He also faced flak when he was named the goodwill ambassador of the Indian contingent for the Rio Olympics to be held later this year.
