Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has responded with characteristic humor and clarity to the online criticism surrounding his appearance in the upcoming film "Battle of Galwan." The actor, who is portraying the role of Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu in the movie based on the 2020 Galwan Valley conflict, firmly stated that his look is authentic to the character of a military officer.
Addressing the Criticism at ISPL Event
During the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) event in Surat on Friday evening, Khan was captured on video interacting with former cricketer Mohammad Kaif. When Kaif playfully asked him to recreate the pose from the film's first teaser, Khan obliged and then directly addressed the social media chatter about his appearance.
"Now, some people might think this is a romantic look, but I'm playing a Colonel. And this is the look of a Colonel, someone who understands how to motivate his team, his soldiers," Khan explained in Hindi during the event.
Character-Driven Appearance
The 60-year-old actor emphasized that his hairstyle, beard, and overall appearance in the film are deliberate choices to reflect the character's responsibilities. Colonel Bikkumalla Santosh Babu, whom Khan portrays, was the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment who made the ultimate sacrifice along with 19 other soldiers during the Galwan Valley clash between India and China.
Khan added with his trademark humor, "None of this really matters, this look doesn't matter at all. It has always been this way and it will continue to be so, with all your blessings." He concluded his remarks with a roar, showcasing the intensity he brings to the role.
Social Media Reactions and Film Details
Following the release of the first teaser on Khan's birthday last month, a section of social media users had expressed their opinions about the actor's appearance. Some comments suggested he looked "too soft" or "romantic" for a film based on a real-life military confrontation and for a character who is an Army officer.
The much-anticipated film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia of "Shootout at Lokhandwala" fame, is scheduled for theatrical release on April 17. The project also features actress Chitrangada Singh in a significant role.
Physical Demands of the Role
In an interview with PTI in July last year, Khan had described "Battle of Galwan" as one of the most physically demanding films of his career. "It is physically demanding. Every year, every month, every day it gets more and more difficult. I've to give more time now for training," he revealed.
The actor elaborated on the challenges, stating that earlier he could prepare for roles in one or two weeks, but for this film he has been engaged in extensive running, kicking, punching, and other physical training. He also highlighted the additional difficulties of shooting in Ladakh's high altitude and cold water conditions.
Khan contrasted this role with his upcoming film "Sikandar," noting that while both involve action sequences, the physical demands and character requirements for "Battle of Galwan" are distinctly more challenging. The actor's commitment to authenticity extends beyond just his appearance to encompass the physical rigor required to portray a military officer accurately.
