Historically, Bollywood has remained immune to the conspicuous Hindu-Muslim tension that thrives and often erupts in India.
From the silent era onward, Hindus and Muslims have worked together without any overt discord or prejudice, perhaps because the only god the film industry really worships is the box office.
Fortunately, at the time, Shah Rukh happened to be working with several Muslim directors and pointed this out to Salem: Mansoor Khan, Abbas Mustan, Aziz Mirza. Mahesh [Bhatt]'s mother was also Muslim.
Salem saw Shah Rukh's logic and decided that he would, after all, spare his life. "Log bolte the tu bahut proudy hai lekin tu bada sharif hai," he said. "Abhi police ki zaroorat nahin tereko. Main nahin maroonga." (People tell me that you are very proud but you are a decent man. Now you don't need the police. I won't kill you.)
In the picture: SRK with his wife Gauri, and kids.
Buy King of Bollywood on Rediff Shopping
Also Read: What you didn't know about SRK
Advertisement
