‘Must watch Jai Ho!’

Salman Khan did not think that his recent kite-flying episode with BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi would come back to haunt him. But it did, and in a way that hurts a film star the most.

'Jai Ho' hasn’t had the typical Salman Khan opening, when theatres run full and box office rings in new records. And it’s the same in Hyderabad, where Salman has a huge fan base.

Many attribute this lukewarm response to the call for “boycott” of 'Jai Ho' by Muslim leaders around the country, including city’s MP and AIMIM supremo Asaduddin Owaisi. That’s because they weren’t amused at all by Salman’s bonhomie with Gujarat CM and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi during a kite-flying festival recently.

And literally, Salman’s love for Modi and Muzaffarnagar has resulted in Bye Ho!

Is the Muzaffarnagar-Saifai issue, coupled with the Modi controversy, threatening to hurt the film’s collections?

Acts calm
Though Salman acts unperturbed, his PR machinery is going all out to do damage control. They reached out to the media, organising special interviews with the actor, saying it’s Republic Day... and 'Jai Ho’s theme is about nation building.

Talking about Owaisi’s call, Salman said, “Yeah, I’ve heard.... that someone… I think Owaisi… has asked people not to watch the film. But I am sure he can’t convert my fans with his words. It’s a different thing if my fans don’t find the film appealing and then decide not to go and watch it. That’s absolutely fine.”

“Everyone has a point of view or an opinion. Everybody has the right to speech and freedom to move around the country. Like myself. I went to the kite festival. I live in the same country.”

In a message to his fans, he says: “Honestly, don’t be fooled. Elections are coming up. People use (the topic of) religion to further their interests. They are the people who create angst between Hindus and Muslims and cause fights between them. But my fans should not give in to such requests… You can win hearts only with love. I am a half-Hindu, half-Muslim and have Catholic friends. I love humans, irrespective of their castes or communities. No religion preaches hatred. Everybody wants peace.”

Promotes the film
Salman feels his fans should not miss out on Jai Ho. “I want my fans to borrow qualities from my character Jai Agnihotri. He is beautiful, very noble and is forever protecting his family and friends. In fact, I have learnt so much from him. Many of my fans are at an impressionable age, they must watch Jai as he is a nation-building character. I wish there are living examples like him, whom we can follow.”