Salman Khan runs into controversy with 'raped woman' comment

Superstar Salman Khan has courted controversy after comparing himself to a "raped woman" when he was asked to comment on his experience of shooting for his forthcoming film "Sultan".

In a media interaction here on Saturday, Salman was asked how difficult it was to shoot wrestling scenes for the movie.

"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," he said.

"(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 don't think you... It was most difficult ...I couldn't take steps. I would eat and then, head right back to weight training. That couldn't stop."

Journalists present broke into a chatter and laughter after the comment. This can be heard in the audio recording of the interaction too.

However, the comment sent social media users into a tizzy, with many slamming the actor for his "callous remark" after a website, SpotboyE, carried the detailed quotes of Salman Khan as an "interview" on Monday.

Designer-politician Shaina NC tweeted: "Rape is an exercise of power to destruct a woman's self esteem, from what I know of Salman Khan, he respects women, so he must apologise."

One Twitter user posted: "Salman Khan says he felt like a 'raped woman'. Wow... What a way to express your tiredness", "If you are a Salman Khan fan, it's good, but if you support his pathetic statement, you are nothing but a disgusting creature".

However, several journalists who were present at the interaction session said Salman has been misquoted.

"Why doesn't the media put out the entire quote rather than pick the 'r..e'. I remember even Aamir Khan's quote was chopped and put out to create controversy. Should listen to the recording of the interview," posted seasoned journalist Bharati Dubey of Absolute India.

A popular radio jockey Alok also tweeted: "Salman Khan is misquoted for his statement. I was present in that interview and he never meant it in wrong sense. Listen audio before trolling him." He possibly meant the interaction with about thirty journalists which is often called a "group interview" by media managers who arrange the event.

The National Commission for Women has taken note of Salman's comment and have asked him to apologise for it within a week.

--IANS

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