Bollywood actor Salman Khan's reply to notices by women's panels over his "raped woman" comment has not gone down well with either the National Commission for Women (NCW) or the Maharashtra State Women's Commission (MSWC).
While the NCW on Wednesday said it was mulling further action against Salman Khan as the commission was not satisfied with his reply, the state women's panel has summoned him in person on July 7.
"Salman Khan has replied to our notice. We are not going to reveal the contents of the letter; it would suffice to say that the letter does not sound apologetic," NCW Chairperson Lalitha Kumaramangalam told IANS.
“We are seeking legal advice for further action as we are not satisfied with his reply. We hope to finalise it by tomorrow,” she added.
According to sources, the NCW did not like the tone and tenor of Salman's letter.
The Maharashtra commission rejected Salman's contention -- submitted through his lawyer -- that since the matter is already before the national panel, it should not be pursued by the MSWC to avoid duplication.
"We have concurrent powers just the way the NCW has. This matter can be heard at the state level too. Therefore, his version is invalid," MSWC Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar said.
She said the actor has been summoned on July 7 at the MSWC office along with his lawyers.
"We have asked him to put forth his views in an affidavit," Rahatkar added.
During a media interaction last week, Salman said he "felt like a raped woman" after shooting for a gruelling wrestling sequence for his upcoming film 'Sultan'. He plays a wrestler in the film.
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 couldn't take steps," he added.
Women's groups protested the remark and demanded an apology. The actor's father, Salim Khan, has apologised on behalf of his son.
