Salman Khan has criticised social media trolls who make money by targeting celebrities, questioning the growing culture of body-shaming and age-shaming online, writes NDTV.
The actor, who hosts the current season of Bigg Boss 20, addressed the issue during Saturday’s Weekend Ka Vaar. He was responding to a remark made by YouTuber ScoutOP during an argument involving contestant Arishfa Khan.
ScoutOP had reportedly urged his YouTube and gaming followers to “khatam kardo isko” (finish her off) after the dispute.
Salman criticised the choice of words before turning the discussion towards the wider problem of online trolling.
“Kisi ko neecha dikha ke aap paise kama rahe hain” (you are making money by putting someone down), he said. He argued that attacking people over their appearance, weight, families, professional setbacks or personal milestones says more about the person making the comments.
“Aap apni upbringing dikha rahe ho” (you are only showing your upbringing), Salman added.
The actor also addressed the scrutiny women often face over their bodies after pregnancy. Although he did not name anyone, his remarks came amid recent online criticism of his longtime friend and former co-star Katrina Kaif.
Kaif recently faced comments about her appearance and alleged weight gain after attending Ganpati celebrations in Mumbai. The actor became a mother recently, prompting social media users to focus on her postpartum body.
Salman questioned why women should face such criticism after pregnancy.
“Why do you troll somebody who gets pregnant? Pregnant hone ke baad everyone puts on weight… Pregnant thi toh weight gain kar liya, wapas movies mein aayegi toh fit ho jayegi. She wanted to spend time with her family,” he said.
Salman also turned the discussion towards the criticism he receives over his own appearance and age.
He acknowledged that he is now 60 and questioned why audiences expect actors to maintain the same appearance throughout their careers.
“Budha hogya, of course 60 saal ka hogaya,” he said, before adding, “You can’t be Maine Pyaar Kiya all the bloody time.”
The actor also questioned the mindset of people who spend time attacking the appearance and weight of others while remaining unhappy with their own looks.
“Aap khudh apni shakal se itne bezaar ho” (so dissatisfied with your own face), he said while discussing the motivation behind such trolling.
Salman then asked, “What do you want to troll and why do you want to troll?”
He also alleged that some producers or actors may encourage online trolling by paying people to target celebrities.
The actor appeared visibly frustrated while discussing the constant scrutiny surrounding celebrities’ bodies and ageing.
At one point during the episode, Salman removed his hat and T-shirt and called his makeup artist Raju. He then wiped off his makeup, appearing to challenge those who regularly comment on changes in his appearance.
