Bollywood sympathises with Salman after court's verdict

Mumbai, May 7: As the sessions court here convicted the Bollywood actor Salman Khan in the 2002 hit-and-run case on Wednesday, many in the film industry expressed sympathy for the 49-year-old actor.

Music composer Wajid Ali, a close friend of Salman, said, "This is a very sad moment. I am shocked at the verdict. Salman bhai is a simple and real man. I hope he will take it in the right spirit.

"It was an accident which can happen with anyone on an unfortunate day. Salman's name has made this case popular. He paid the price of being a celebrity," said Ali, who had composed music for some of Salman's films.

Actress and BJP MP Hema Malini said she was praying that the actor gets a lesser sentence. "Feeling very sad. Will pray for lesser imprisonment for Salman. My sympathy with Salman and his family," she said.

Actor Shakti Kapoor said he was saddened by the verdict.

"However, a law is a law. This is unfortunate. Salman's family are law-abiding citizens and they have already undergone 13 years of mental torture. His philanthropic work is well known and he is known to help the needy people," he said.

"Terrible news. Don't know what to say except that will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what. He's a good man and no one can take that away from him," tweeted Sonakshi Sinha, who was launched in Bollywood by Salman in 2010 hit film "Dabangg".

Varun, who is Salman's family friend, said, "I won't comment on the courts judgement. But Salman Bhai has the biggest heart and is the most helpful person in this industry.

"My prayers are with @BeingSalmanKhan and his family who I know love this country and respect its judiciary."

Actress Parineeti Chopra wrote, "Hurts to think what could happen. We will always be with you. Hope the judge sees the beauty of the human being that Salman Khan is."

Veteran actor-director Satish Kaushik said, "We have to respect the court's decision but we pray for Salman."

"Let the law take its course. And let his fans be his force. Let the judgment be the difference between the two. And we know who may win," tweeted actor Ayushmann Khurrana.

Actor Pulkit Samrat, one of Salman's latest finds, said, "Today I wish he wasn't a superstar. Prejudice. @BeingSalmanKhan."

Actress Alia Bhatt said, "It hurts when your own are punished, even if they are in the wrong. We love you and are standing by you."

Young star Arjun Kapoor, who has often credited Salman for his Bollywood career, said, "It doesn't matter what anyone or any court says he doesn't deserve this at any level...will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what."

Actor Rishi Kapoor said the Kapoor family stands by the Khans in the difficult time. "The Kapoors are with the Khans in their difficult time. Time is the biggest healer. God Bless!"

After the punishment was pronounced, actress Preity Zinta and director Ashutosh Gowariker met Salman's family.

Actor Raza Murad said this is a sad moment for Bollywood, Salman and his family.

"Doors of the High Court and Supreme Court are open for him. God will always be with him," he said.

"He is the man that saved my Mothers life. That I will never forget. #SalmanKhan," actress Dia Mirza tweeted.

She later posted ,"My previous tweet was NOT a comment on the proceedings of the verdict. It was an emotional confession of a grateful friend. #SalmanKhan."

Actor-director Farah Khan tweeted, "In Dubai.. But thoughts and prayers are still in Mumbai with @BeingSalmanKhan and his family.."

Director Karan Johar, who had announced plans to do "Shuddhi" with Salman, tweeted, "I can only respond emotionally just now...my thoughts and prayers are with Salman and his family today....I wish them strength...."

Former beauty queen and actress Sushmita Sen, who has shared screen with Salman in films like "Biwi No 1", "Tumko Naa Bhul Payenge", tweeted, "Prayers and strength for my friend @BeingSalmanKhan and his family. Harsh sentencing doesn't mean justice. Must appeal. Deeply saddened.

"There is an enormous difference between being a criminal and being human. True justice is then served. Keep the faith @BeingSalmanKhan," Sen wrote.

Meanwhile, some celebrities targeted the homeless in support of Salman Khan.

Singer Abhijeet and jewellery designer Farah Khan were at the receiving end for their insensitive remarks against homeless people with many Twitter users taking them to task.

Actor-turned-politician Chiranjeevi said, "I am really feeling very bad that my colleague Salman has been convicted. I think he still has a scope to appeal it to the higher courts. I think definitely he will have some considerations. He has got chance to take bail, meanwhile he can do justice to his films which have been committed."

Raj Babbar, who has shared screen with Salman in "Bodyguard", said, "It is a relief to those who were killed during the incident... Salman and his family are hurt. We respect the court's verdict."