When Anushka Sharma called out Salman Khan's controversial 'R*pe' remark during ‘Sultan' promotions

Time of India

2 days ago

It was the summer of 2016 when
Salman Khan
's wrestling drama 'Sultan' was generating major buzz ahead of its Eid release. The film promised a powerful story, intense training montages, and the magnetic pairing of Salman Khan and
Anushka Sharma
.
But amid all the hype, a storm broke out—one that overshadowed the film's promotional campaign and left a mark that's hard to forget.
Salman Khan's Controversial Comment
During a press interaction about the physically demanding preparation he underwent for the film, Salman Khan made a deeply insensitive remark. Comparing the pain and exhaustion from his wrestling training to feeling like a 'r*ped woman,' Salman's words immediately sparked outrage.
The comment trivialised the trauma of r*pe survivors and was condemned widely for its sheer insensitivity.
The backlash was swift. Activists, celebrities, media voices, and the general public criticised the actor for his poor choice of words. Calls for an apology echoed across newsrooms and social media, though Salman Khan, true to form, remained mostly silent on the matter.
Anushka Sharma's Bold Response
What stood out during this controversy, however, was Anushka Sharma's dignified but firm response.
In an interview with film critic Anupama Chopra, Anushka didn't shy away from expressing her disappointment. Calling Salman's remark 'insensitive,' she said the words left her surprised and uncomfortable.
Anushka stressed the importance of public figures being responsible with their words. 'R*pe is not something to be compared with any physical exhaustion or pain,' she said, adding that such topics should never be used as metaphors in casual conversation.
She also admitted that she didn't personally know Salman Khan very well and found him 'a bit intimidating.' Their working relationship was professional and limited to the film, and due to her own reserved nature, she didn't feel it was her place to directly confront him. Still, she chose to speak out—quietly but clearly—through her interview.
A Hit Film, Marred by a Controversy
Despite the controversy, 'Sultan' went on to become a massive box office success.
Directed by Ali Abbas Zafar, the film showcased Salman as a fallen wrestling champion and Anushka as his fierce coach and love interest. The emotional arc, powerful performances, and Eid release helped Sultan rake in approximately ₹623 crore worldwide.
Yet, for many, the memory of 'Sultan' remains inseparable from the headline-making controversy. It served as a reminder of how a single careless remark can cast a long shadow—even over the biggest blockbusters. And how voices like Anushka Sharma's, calm yet courageous, can help steer public conversation back to empathy and accountability.