In a powerful unseen interview, veteran writer Salim Khan raised a strong question about why only filmmakers are targeted when debates around religion and cinema begin. Known for speaking clearly and without hesitation, Salim Khan addressed the issue of “fatwas” being directed at people working in films, while audiences are never questioned.
In an exclusive interview with Lehren, Salim Khan responded to those who accused him of double standards, especially around religious beliefs and the idea of “but parasti.”
Salim Khan: “Film Banana Walon Pe Hi Kyu Fatwa?”
He directly questioned the logic behind blaming only the film industry. “Film banana wale ya film mein kaam karne walon pe hi kyu yeh fatwa? Film dekne walon pe bhi lagayein na (Why issue a fatwa only against those who make films or work in films? Why not issue it also against those who watch films too?)”
The Sholay writer then pointed out an interesting pattern about Eid releases and box office numbers. “Aaj tak, jabse film industry bani hai… log complete print lekar behtte hai ki ‘Eid pe release karenge’. ‘Musalman Ramzan par film nahi dekta’, Eid pe jo film ka opening lagta hai vo kisi manch me nahi lagta. (Since the beginning of the film industry, people hold completed films and wait to release them on Eid. They say Muslims don’t watch films during Ramzan, but the opening collections on Eid are higher than any other occasion.)”
The veteran writer-actor further explained that if films earn so much during Eid, it clearly shows that a large section of the Muslim community watches movies. “Ek mahine se film complete hai… yeh 2 taariq ko lagayenge Eid pe ₹7 cr. ya ₹5 cr. ki picture hai, jo first week pe milta hai vo toh bahut kamaal ka hota hai. Iska matlab hai ki Musalman bahut film dekte hai! Iska matlab yeh hai Musalman ke maximum filmgoer hai. (The film is ready for a month, yet it is released on Eid because the first week collections are strong. This means Muslims watch a lot of films. They form a large part of the audience.)”
“Jis Din Log Film Dekhna Bandh Kar Denge…”
Salim Khan added, “Toh lagade fatwa ki har musalman jo film dekta hai, hamara kaam toh waise hi bandh ho jayega na… humpe toh fatwa lagane ki jarurat nahi hai. (Then issue a fatwa against every Muslim who watches films; our work will automatically stop. There’s no need to target us.)”
He concluded: “Toh yeh fatwa de ki Musalman jo film dekta hai, vo musalman nahi hai…” (Then declare that any Muslim who watches films is not a Muslim.)
To watch the complete interview and hear his thoughts in detail, catch the full video below.
His argument was simple: if cinema is considered wrong then the question should be asked to everyone involved, not just creators. Whether one agrees or disagrees, his words push for logic and consistency.
