‘Come on, troll me now’: Salman Khan hits back at ‘dadajaan’ memes
Salman Khan appeared visibly frustrated with the culture of social media trolling during the latest episode of "Weekend Ka Vaar" on "Bigg Boss 20". Addressing the criticism he has faced over his appearance, the actor took off his T-shirt and challenged those who had mocked him online.
“Salman Bhai has become fat,” the actor said, referring to the comments he had been receiving. He then removed his T-shirt and added, “Come on, troll me now. I have no six-pack abs.”
The contestants gave Salman a standing ovation following the moment, after which the actor continued to speak about the impact of online trolling and the way celebrities are targeted on social media.
Salman also criticised certain sections of the film industry and media, alleging that some actors run paid negative campaigns against their peers. He claimed that fan clubs often help identify those behind trolling campaigns, but said celebrities generally choose not to react.
He also questioned the practice of paying for favourable film reviews. According to Salman, some actors or producers may encourage negative campaigns against their peers by financially supporting them, while critics may also be paid to give films inflated ratings.
“Then people talk about corruption. For money, they give four or five stars to films. That is also a huge corruption. So are you in any position to talk about ethics or morals?” he said.
The actor also addressed the pressure on celebrities to comment on political issues. Salman said some people from the industry prefer to stay away from such matters either because they do not feel sufficiently informed or simply do not want to get involved.
He questioned why celebrities should be dragged into political debates simply because a journalist asks for their opinion, particularly when their comments may then be circulated for television ratings. Instead, he said, journalists should investigate issues themselves and inform the public about the facts.
Salman then urged people to focus on their own families rather than spending time trolling celebrities. He said he could understand comments about whether he had gained or lost weight, but objected to people mocking fellow actors such as Sohail Khan and Varun Dhawan.
“Better to look after your parents and their health than troll us,” Salman said.
He added that people have every right to criticise an actor's work, say they did not like a film or comment on a public figure's conduct, but questioned the need to use abusive language.
“We can also do that,” he said, referring to celebrities responding to trolls in the same manner. “Trolls think that whatever they do, we will get scared. The day we react, they will keep running around.”
Salman also recalled an incident from around eight to 10 years ago when he tracked down a person who had been posting abusive comments about him and went to his home. He said the man's parents were teachers and his sister attended a good school.
According to Salman, he asked the man whether he should expose his identity publicly. The man apologised and pleaded for forgiveness, the actor recalled.
Salman warned that if online trolling continues unchecked, similar incidents could happen again. He also argued that while OTT platforms, films and television are subject to censorship, social media could eventually face similar regulations.
“Where will these trolls go then?” he asked.
The actor further questioned the people who follow and subscribe to trolling accounts simply for entertainment, asking what that says about their “character and upbringing”. He later turned to the contestants and reminded them, “You all have been victims of this.”
The "Bigg Boss 20" host also addressed speculation surrounding his recent appearance. Salman said some people had assumed that he was undergoing a hair transplant after noticing his changed look. He clarified that the appearance was for an upcoming film and revealed that a close friend had also died two months earlier.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. He said such speculation does not personally affect him, but noted that others may struggle when false or hurtful claims are repeatedly made about them. Salman pointed out that people respond differently to online criticism and said some may suffer from depression as a result.
He also referred to cases of suicide linked to such distress and criticised the abusive language used by trolls, arguing that it reflects on their upbringing.
“Are they even humans? They are parasites,” Salman said, while describing trolls as a small section that needs to be stopped.
The actor also hit out at people who claim that fans are responsible for making celebrities successful. While saying that he respects his fans, Salman stressed that buying a ticket to watch a film does not mean buying the actor.
“You bought a ticket to see the film; you didn’t buy us,” he said.
Salman said actors give their best to ensure audiences enjoy their films and questioned those who make money by targeting celebrities over their appearance or personal lives. He noted that many people already struggle with body-image issues, sadness and depression.
He welcomed the fact that more actors have started speaking out against online trolling, adding that he “salutes” those who are willing to call out such behaviour.
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