Salman Khan Responds to Trolls Over Age and Weight on Bigg Boss 20

Salman Khan, the Indian actor and host of Bigg Boss 20, has vocally addressed the issue of online trolling related to age and body image. During the latest episode of Bigg Boss, he responded to negativity directed at celebrities, particularly the scrutiny faced by women post-pregnancy. This response comes in light of public commentary surrounding the appearance of his longtime friend and co-star Katrina Kaif after the birth of her first child. He remarked on the harmful culture of body shaming that often targets women, stating it is commonplace for individuals to face ridicule for gaining weight after childbirth. Khan emphasised that such comments are not benign; instead, they reflect poor upbringing and a lack of empathy. 'Pregnant hone ke baad everyone puts on weight,' he said, expressing his frustration and questioning why society expects women to revert to their pre-pregnancy bodies immediately. The actor also tackled ageism, recognising that he is now 60 years old and cannot maintain the same appearance he had earlier in his career. 'Budha hogya, of course 60 saal ka hogya,' he stated, underscoring that personal attacks regarding age are unwarranted and unjust. Khan also highlighted the way trolls profit from mocking others, suggesting that some may receive financial incentives to target celebrities online. His comments came while defending Kaif amidst the backlash she received after a public appearance at an event hosted by the Ambani family. The backlash prompted support for Kaif from fans and fellow celebrities alike, including Hrithik Roshan, who liked a post defending her. Khan’s remarks instigated a broader conversation about the toxicity of online discourse. He challenged those who troll others to reflect on their own insecurities and motivations, questioning why they target others when they themselves might feel dissatisfied with their own appearance. He pushed back against the notion that purchasing a ticket to a film grants consumers the right to demean the actor personally. He illustrated his point by physically removing his hat and jacket on stage, stating, 'Bhai mota ho gaya hai! Bhai ko troll karo,' encouraging viewers to consider the double standards in public perception of celebrity bodies. The episode served not only as a plea for kindness but also as a critique of the double standards that exist in celebrity culture. Khan's candidness aims to raise awareness about the ramifications of cyberbullying while urging audiences to practise more compassion. Bigg Boss 20 continues to stream on JioHotstar and airs on ColorsTV, with Khan serving as its outspoken host.