Its a sad day for Bollywood!
Superstar Salman Khan has been sentenced to five years in prison for killing a homeless man in a 2002 hit-and-run incident which took place after a night out drinking. He was found guilty of culpable homicide, among other charges for driving his Land Cruiser into a group of homeless men sleeping on the pavement in Mumbai, rejecting the actor’s claim his driver was to blame. He has always denied being behind the wheel, but the conviction and sentence are likely to hit the career of one of the Indian movie industry’s biggest box-office stars.
Salman Khan looked deeply disturbed and tired as the sentence was read out, sinking into his chair as his family gathered around. The verdict had been keenly awaited both by his fans and Bollywood studios, who stand to lose millions of dollars if they have to cancel filming for movies for which he has been working on namely his upcoming Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo.
When Salman Khan finally took the stand in March, he told the court his driver was responsible for mounting the pavement in the upmarket suburb of Bandra West. The driver testified in court last month that he had been behind the wheel, and that the crash occurred after the front left tyre burst, making steering and braking difficult yet the judge found Superstar Salman Khan guilty of all charges including driving while under the influence of alcohol and without a licence. Khan is expected to go to the high court to apply for bail. Bollywood stars have taken to Twitter to express their support!
Arpita Khan Sharma @khanarpita
Today is a big day for us & we know we are not alone.Thank you for your Dua’s , love & support always. God bless !
ALI ✔@alifazal9
@BeingSalmanKhan #SalmanJudgementDay 13 years to feel proud about taking him down. This is regressive.. We kill the spirit of Justice!
Farah Khan ✔@TheFarahKhan
In Dubai.. But thoughts n prayers are still in Mumbai with @BeingSalmanKhan n his family.
Riteish Deshmukh ✔@Riteishd
Not commenting on courts verdict- but my heart goes out 2 @BeingSalmanKhan :large hearted & 1 of d finest people I hv met in this industry.
King Mika Singh ✔@MikaSingh
I stand for the man who stands for everyone .. Always respect you big brother @BeingSalmanKhan your fans R with you?
Dia Mirza ✔@deespeak
He is the man that saved my Mothers life. That I will never forget. #SalmanKhan
Sonakshi Sinha ✔@sonakshisinha
Terrible news. Dnt knw wht to say except tht will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what. Hes a good man and no 1 can tk tht away frm him.
Varun SURESH Dhawan ✔@Varun_dvn
I won’t comment on the courts judgement. But salman Bhai has the biggest heart and is the most helpful person in this industry
Varun SURESH Dhawan ✔@Varun_dvn
My prayers are with @BeingSalmanKhan and his family who I know love this country and respect its judiciary.
Bipasha Basu ✔@bipsluvurself
@BeingSalmanKhan is a man who has always helped d underprivileged!A man who has done so much humanitarian work.Prayers for a fair judgement.
Arjun Kapoor ✔@arjunk26
It doesn’t matter what anyone or any court says he doesn’t deserve this at any level…will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what…
rishi kapoor ✔@chintskap
The Kapoors are with the Khans in their difficult time. Time is the biggest healer. God Bless!
Nimrat Kaur ✔@NimratOfficial
Time to be graceful,leave everyone alone.In the end there’s only hurt and pain,on either side. May God give strength to all. #SalmanVerdict
ShraddhaVINNIEKapoor ✔@ShraddhaKapoor
On a day like this, if only time could turn back & what was done, be undone……Heart-breaking.
Karan Johar ✔@karanjohar
I can only respond emotionally just now…my thoughts and prayers are with Salman and his family today….I wish them strength…
We at the Bollywood Tempest are truly saddened by the verdict of courts in India. We support Salman Khan. He is one of the most genuine stars in Bollywood with a heart of Gold. #SupportSalmanKhan