Salman Khan’s appointment as goodwill ambassador for India’s Olympic contingent has kicked off quite the wrestling match.
Salman Khan’s appointment as goodwill ambassador for India’s Olympic contingent has kicked off quite the wrestling match.
Ever since Salman was announced as the ambassador for the Indian contingent at the Olympic games in Rio, the actor has drawn a multitude of reactions from his very critical naysayers and dedicated bhai fans. First wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt and then legendary sprinter Milkha Singh raised an objection to him being appointed ambassador, over a sportsperson.
A disgruntled Yogeshwar said that Salman had the right to promote his upcoming sports drama, Sultan anywhere, but the Olympics is not the platform for it. Milkha Singh said that sportspersons would’ve been better choices for the job.
His statement didn’t go down well with Salman’s father, scriptwriter Salim Khan, who took to Twitter to lash out at Milkha Singh. “Milkhaji,” he tweeted, “It’s not Bollywood, but the Indian Film Industry The same industry which resurrected you from fading into oblivion.” His comment of course sparked a whole new outrage after it splashed on screens. While many questioned Salman’s credentials, a few raised legal concerns, pointing out that he has two criminal charges against him. Clarifies High Court lawyer Shreepad Murthy, “Salman was proved guilty by the trial court, the High Court reversed the finding and the matter is now with Supreme Court. There is no bar under prevailing provisions of the law that restricts a person facing any charges and whose matter is subjudice in court from representing the country anywhere.” Here’s a look at some of the reactions that Salman’s big appointment drew.
Aishwarya Rai, actress
Anybody who is doing good to represent the country and anybody who is working or seeking or standing out for whatever vocation we have in the country, be it sports, arts or music — I think that’s wonderful and needs to be recognised.
Baichung Bhutia, footballer
Fact is, Bollywood sells. I don’t think there’s any need to complain about Salman being the IOA goodwill ambassador. The market demands movies and movie stars and I think the uproar has been quite unnecessary. Salman is not the first movie star to be a sports ambassador. The IPL, ISL and the Kabbadi League all have a Bollywood connection now. The public has taken well to Salman being appointed ambassador and that’s good. I don’t think Salman’s appointment has anything to do with Sultan’s release coming up. It’s a mere coincidence.
Suhel Seth, Columnist
The Indian Olympic Committee was trying to prove three points here — whether they achieve it or not is their problem. They are trying to popularise Olympic sport in India, that doesn’t mean he is going to Rio marching ahead of the Indian contingent. To get someone with Bollywood popularity, because everything in this country for better or worse revolves around Bollywood. States use them as their ambassadors for Malaria, Tuberculosis and Polio and many more things. I don’t know in what context Salim Khan made that statement but I know it is a bit distressing because you can’t be competitive about our Olympic icons or sporting heroes. Having said that we need to introspect that are we as a country Bollywoodising everything The answer is Yes! Don’t blame Bollywood.
Prahlad Kakkar, Ad man
It’s not surprising that an institute like The Olympic Association that was embroiled in controversies chose a controversial figure as their brand ambassador. They would have chosen anybody with a fan following, who has a clean record and a depth in their character, someone with a squeaky clean track record. At least till the court cases were cleared. Sceptics say that he is doing so because his film is releasing, his PR company might have thought of that strategy but I don’t think Salman Khan needs that popularity, he already has it.
Whatever Salim Khan said on Twitter is unacceptable. He should issue a public apology. It was extremely mean and petty. The film (Bhaag Milka Bhaag) was made by one director who was willing to take a risk and later biopics followed. Why is he claiming it as his own
