When Anushka Sharma called Salman Khan 'insensitive' after he made THIS comment about rape

Anushka and Salman

In 2016, Salman Khan's comment during the promotional tour for the film Sultan sparked major controversy. The actor, who was discussing his intense training for the role of a wrestler, made an offhand remark about feeling like a “raped woman” after exhausting sessions in the wrestling ring. His statement was widely criticised by audiences, celebrities, and the public for its insensitivity, particularly for trivializing the horrific experience of sexual assault. Among those who spoke out about the remark was his co-star, Anushka Sharma, who had starred with him in Sultan.

An old interview clip of Anushka Sharma recently went viral, where she addressed Salman Khan’s comment. The clip, taken from an interview with film critic Anupama Chopra, shows Anushka candidly discussing her reaction to the incident. She called Salman’s statement "insensitive" and mentioned that she was "surprised" by it. "All of us, not just celebrities, have a responsibility of what they speak in any place, not just publicly, anywhere," Anushka explained, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of one’s words, especially in a public setting.

When asked by the interviewer if she considered confronting Salman or requesting an apology from him, Anushka shared her thoughts on their professional relationship. She admitted that she didn’t know Salman very well, stating, "I don't know him at all. I have worked on a film with him, and that's the amount of interaction I have had with him." Her response reflected her limited personal interaction with Salman, as she further described him as "intimidating." Anushka explained that Salman, being his own person, was not the type to go out of his way to make someone feel at ease. "He is going to be himself and he is just going to do his thing," she added, noting her own shyness and difficulty in breaking the ice with people.

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Despite not having a deep personal connection with Salman, Anushka’s comments showcased her disapproval of his words and her belief in the importance of being responsible with one's speech, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like sexual violence.

The film Sultan, which was released on Eid in 2016, marked the only time Salman Khan and Anushka Sharma worked together on-screen. Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film was a sports drama in which Salman portrayed a wrestler, while Anushka played a wrestler and coach. Despite the controversy surrounding Salman’s remark, the film itself received a positive reception from both critics and audiences. With a budget of Rs. 90 crore, Sultan went on to gross Rs. 623 crore worldwide, becoming one of the highest-grossing films in Hindi cinema at that time.

Anushka Sharma’s candid remarks about Salman Khan’s comment reflect her integrity and belief in the power of words, as well as the responsibility of public figures to be mindful of their influence. Even though their personal equation remained distant, her reaction to the incident signified her unwillingness to remain silent when it came to the issue of insensitivity, especially regarding serious matters like rape.