I should speak less now, jokes Salman amid controversy over rape' remark

Madrid: Superstar Salman Khan on Thursday chose to keep mum on the "rape remark" controversy and jokingly said he should talk less as these days whatever he says gets misinterpreted.

The 50-year-old actor had courted controversy after he compared himself with a raped woman in an interview when quizzed about the gruelling shooting of his upcoming film "Sultan", drawing sharp reactions from all quarters.

"I will not take much time because nowadays the less I speak the better it is," said Salman in a jovial mood here while addressing the inauguration of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards.

The actor is yet to apologise for his comments despite many political parties and National Commission for Women (NCW) demanded a public apology for his rape remarks, calling the comments "reprehensible", following an outcry on social media.

Watch: Salman Khan to apologise for his ‘rape’ remark? His expression says it all!

In the wake of the row, all eyes were on Khan as he took the stage on Thursday night in Madrid alongside other top Bollywood actors at an event.

"I know it has been a long evening, I will make it short, quick," he said, prompting a woman in the audience to yell out: "No! Long!".

The actor then said: "I have to. Knowing me the shorter I keep it the better it is."

At IIFA, the "Kick" star will perform in the gala night besides his cross-border drama "Bajrangi Bhaijaan" being one of the front runners at the award nominations this year.

The award ceremony, which has travelled to several continents over the past 17 years, will mark its 17th edition this year in the European city, which is hosting the three-day event.