Nani Responds to Salman Khan’s Comments, Reaffirms South India’s Longstanding Love for Hindi Cinema
Natural Star Nani has addressed the recent controversy sparked by Salman Khan’s remarks regarding the reception of Hindi films in South India, stating that the affection for Bollywood cinema in the region runs deep and spans decades. While offering a balanced perspective, Nani suggested that Khan’s comments may have been misunderstood.
The controversy arose when Salman Khan, while promoting his upcoming film Sikandar, commented that although fans in South India enthusiastically greet him with chants of “Bhai Bhai” in public, that enthusiasm “does not always translate into theatre footfalls.” The statement led to widespread media attention and a debate on regional support for Hindi cinema.
Nani Highlights Shared Cinematic Legacy
In response, Nani emphasized that South Indian audiences have consistently supported Hindi films, even before the recent global popularity of South Indian cinema. “For many decades, we have cherished Bollywood cinema,” he said. Nani also recalled that iconic Hindi films such as Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, Dil Toh Pagal Hai, and Amitabh Bachchan’s classics were massive successes in South India.
Nani further shared his admiration for Salman Khan’s earlier work, calling Hum Aapke Hain Koun one of his personal favorites. He highlighted how the song “Didi Tera Deewana” from the film remains a staple at wedding celebrations in the South, underlining the cultural crossover Bollywood has long enjoyed in the region.
A Call for Understanding and Context
Offering a conciliatory tone, Nani added, “Perhaps we have misunderstood Salman’s comments,” urging for a more nuanced interpretation of the actor’s statements. He acknowledged that while regional dynamics in cinema are evolving, the emotional connection between audiences and stars transcends linguistic or geographic boundaries.
Nani also noted the current rise of South Indian cinema on the global stage, but was quick to add that this new wave of recognition does not diminish the deep-rooted affection the South has had for Bollywood films and stars over the years.
