Bollywood actor Salman Khan made headlines for his remarks regarding Balochistan at the Joy Forum 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. During the event, which took place alongside fellow actors Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan, he discussed the growing popularity of Indian cinema among South Asian communities in the Middle East. Khan’s comments referenced Balochistan and Pakistan separately while noting the multitude of people working in the region from various nations.
Khan stated, “If you make a Hindi film and release it here (in Saudi Arabia), it will be a superhit. If you make a Tamil, Telugu, or Malayali film, it will do hundreds of crores in business because so many people from other countries have come here. There are people from Balochistan, there are people from Afghanistan, there are people from Pakistan… everyone is working here.”
The remarks have sparked a mixed response online, with some users expressing appreciation for his acknowledgment of Balochistan, while others criticized the phrasing of his statements. The discussions highlight the sensitive geopolitical context of Balochistan, which is Pakistan’s largest province and has a history of seeking greater autonomy.
- Why it matters: The statement reflects ongoing tensions regarding Balochistan’s status, which may influence public opinion and discussions on the region’s autonomy. Businesses engaged in media and film may need to navigate these sensitivities.
- The latest: Salman Khan has not responded publicly to the reactions generated by his remarks.
Source: https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/internet-erupts-after-salman-khan-s-viral-statement-on-pakistan-balochistan-what-did-the-dabangg-star-say-11760952681360.html
Source: https://www.livemint.com/entertainment/internet-erupts-after-salman-khan-s-viral-statement-on-pakistan-balochistan-what-did-the-dabangg-star-say-11760952681360.html