Children have a special love for their fathers, says Salim Khan on Salman

The supposed nonchalance with which Salman Khan seems to be treating the verdict in the Black Buck case does not seem to be shared by his family. His father, Salim Khan, whom Salman has repeatedly called his ‘hero’, has said the case has torn the family. He says every single family member is worried about what lies in store for Salman.

As Salman’s next movie, Bharat, revolves around a father-son relationship (the film is based on a Korean film, Ode to My Father) we thought we would ask Salim Khan about the special bond he shares with his eldest son. But, the stress that the entire Khan clan is currently under was immediately evident in Salim Khan’s outburst when he answered our call. “Mere ghar mein aag lagi hui hai. Mere bachchon ke saath problems chal rahi hain, aur aap pooch rahi hain ki ‘kaise hai aap?’ (My house is on fire. My children are facing problems and you are asking me ‘how are you?’). I remember the media going berserk when Salman was sentenced to five years in jail.

During my morning walks, reporters from various channels would shove their mics into my face and ask me silly questions.”

We patiently waited until Salim Khan had let off steam before we told him that we were not asking about Salman’s case at all, but were instead interested in his views on his son’s latest film, Bharat. And, about his thoughts on Salman considering his father his hero.

A mollified Salim Khan immediately warmed to the subject, saying, “It is undisputedly the love and respect of the children for their father that makes them consider him their hero. A father, being the head of the family, plays a pivotal role in our society. Children look up to their fathers. Ab yeh meri taareef samjhun? Yeh uska badappan hai ki woh mujhe apna hero maanta hai? (Should I consider this a compliment? It is Salman’s large-heartedness that he considers me his hero).”

Salim Khan adds, “I feel all over the world, children have a special love for their fathers. I feel all fathers try to fulfill their duty towards their family and especially towards their children.”

In London, director Ali Abbas has already started shooting for the film, with Salman giving the muhurat shot. Ali is happy that despite the Black Buck case, Salman is racing to complete all his shooting.