Salman Khan’s new controversy, which was stirred up by the comments of Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Bareilvi, once again brought attention to the divisive language usually promoted by self-proclaimed clerics.
The president of the All India Muslim Jamaat criticized Salman for sporting a Ram Janmabhoomi special watch while making promotional appearances for his new film Sikandar, terming it “illegal and haram” according to Islamic law.
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The actor’s assertion, calling for the actor to repent and follow principles of Shariat, reflects the provocative remarks these leaders make to fuel communal hatred.
Razvi’s critique appears more concerned with sustaining Hindu-Muslim conflict than adherence to any religious standard. The speeches do little to represent or serve the Muslim community, but rather serve to divide.
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Ironically, controversies like this often serve as unintended marketing tools for Bollywood films. With Sikandar struggling to generate significant buzz ahead of its Eid release, this uproar could provide much-needed publicity. After all, a heated debate might just be what the film’s makers need to grab attention.
Salman Khan, a world star with millions of fans across communities, has been criticized for his decisions on many occasions. But the decision to sport the watch—said to have been given by his mother—is not political but personal.
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The limited-edition watch commemorates Ayodhya’s cultural heritage and is not likely to have been meant as a religious statement. Amidst the noise, one thing is clear: controversies like these often benefit neither religion nor art but thrive on sensationalism.
