Mumbai: Salman Khan used the latest Bigg Boss 20 Weekend Ka Vaar episode to respond to trolls who target him over his age, weight and appearance, removing his hat and jacket on stage and challenging those making personal comments to continue.
The 60-year-old actor was addressing contestant Scout over comments made the previous week, when the conversation turned to the culture of online trolling. Salman questioned why people resort to personal attacks and said he has faced similar comments about his own appearance.
The actor also criticised abusive comments directed at other members of the film industry and spoke about intrusive paparazzi photography involving female celebrities.
Salman Khan challenges trolls on Bigg Boss 20
While speaking to Scout, Salman questioned the mentality behind online trolling and pointed out that celebrities are frequently mocked for changes in their appearance.
He referred to comments that he had gained weight and said, “Bhai mota ho gaya hai” before challenging trolls to continue targeting him.
Salman then removed his hat and jacket on stage and told them to go ahead with their trolling. He also removed his makeup before telling the audience to troll him now.
The actor questioned why people who make personal comments about celebrities do not first consider how their words could affect others.
He said people should look at themselves before commenting on another person’s face or body, while also distinguishing between genuine concern and deliberately hurtful remarks.
Actor differentiates concern from personal attacks
Salman said he understands when fans express concern about an actor’s health or appearance.
He explained that comments such as asking whether an actor has lost or gained weight because of concern are different from mocking someone.
The actor then referred to trolling directed at his brother Sohail Khan, actor Varun Dhawan and others from the film industry.
He also took aim at repeated criticism over celebrities’ clothes, joking that he would even wear torn shoes the next time to counter complaints about actors repeating outfits.
Salman questioned the practice of people hiding behind social media accounts while targeting public figures and said criticism should not become personal abuse.
Salman opens up about bald look
Salman also addressed comments about his bald appearance, saying that the look was connected to a film rather than the speculation surrounding it online.
He said some people had claimed that he had undergone or was undergoing a hair transplant.
The actor also revealed that a friend had died around two months earlier and said this was another personal reason connected to his appearance at the time.
Salman said he has learnt to use both praise and criticism as motivation and does not allow negative comments to determine how he approaches his work.
He also warned about the possible impact of abusive online commentary on people who may not know how to deal with sustained criticism.
According to Salman, some people can be deeply affected by such comments and may experience serious emotional distress.
Salman questions abusive language used online
The actor also criticised the language used by some social media users while trolling celebrities.
He said the manner in which people comment can reveal their upbringing and argued that there is little reason to engage with those who resort to abusive language.
Salman added that viewers who do not like a particular film can simply choose not to watch it instead of personally attacking the actors involved.
His comments came amid a wider discussion about how celebrities are treated on social media, particularly when criticism shifts from their professional work to their appearance or personal lives.
Salman raises concerns over paparazzi shots
During the same episode, Salman addressed another aspect of celebrity privacy: intrusive paparazzi photography involving women in the entertainment industry.
He questioned the practice of photographers deliberately trying to capture shots focusing on women’s legs or taking photographs from behind, saying many actresses and female celebrities may be uncomfortable with such images.
Salman referred to actor Sai Manjrekar, with whom he worked in Dabangg 3, and said he had seen situations where she appeared uncomfortable with such photography.
He also mentioned actor Neha Dhupia and recalled witnessing a similar situation involving his own niece.
The actor questioned why photographers continue taking such pictures when a celebrity has indicated that the practice makes them uncomfortable.
Salman urges women to speak up
Salman encouraged women who object to intrusive photography to directly tell paparazzi that they are uncomfortable with it.
His comments highlighted the distinction between routine celebrity photography and images that deliberately focus on parts of a person’s body or are taken in a manner the subject does not welcome.
The discussion formed part of Salman’s broader criticism of personal boundaries, both online and in the physical spaces occupied by celebrities.
While social media trolling allows users to comment from behind anonymous or private accounts, paparazzi photography raises a separate question about consent and personal space.
Bigg Boss 20 continues on JioHotstar
Salman Khan continues to host Bigg Boss 20, with the latest Weekend Ka Vaar episode featuring his response to trolling and his comments on celebrity privacy.
The actor’s remarks came while addressing Scout’s earlier comments about encouraging his gaming community to troll him if he said something wrong.
Bigg Boss 20 is streaming on JioHotstar and airing on Colors TV.