Bajrangi Bhaijaan turns 8: When director Kabir Khan said he needed Salman Khan’s ‘superstardom’ to discuss Hindu-Muslim issue

And rightly so, the film not only brought people across borders closer, but also celebrated unity among the different religions in the country. Kabir Khan, ahead of the release of Bajrangi Bhaijaan had spoken about making strong political statements and aligning them with the country’s political situation. Speaking to Indian Express, Kabir mentioned that he strongly believes in unity, secularism, and people-to-people friendship. He shared that given his parents have an inter-religion marriage, he has grown up celebrating both cultures. The filmmaker added that he needed someone like Salman Khan to send out such strong secular comments.

“How can right-wingers claim Bajrangbvali as theirs? He’s mine too. I played the role of Lord Hanuman in a school play. It bothers me to see how we are becoming increasingly intolerant. Why can’t a Muslim say, Jai Shri Ram? Or why can’t a Hindu say Assalamualaikum? I will not become a lesser Muslim if I say, Jai Shri Ram. We can harp about progress and development but if the secular fabric of our country gets damaged, then nothing can sustain us. I wanted to discuss the Hindu-Muslim issue and in order to bring it all out in the mainstream consciousness, I needed Salman’s superstardom. He also feels strongly about secularism and instantly agreed with the film,” Khan said.

Celebrating 8 years of a film that united everyone across borders!
#BajrangiBhaijaan @BeingSalmanKhan @kabirkhankk #KareenaKapoorKhan @Nawazuddin_S @Harshaali032008 pic.twitter.com/5naB6nfbNJ

— Salman Khan Films (@SKFilmsOfficial) July 17, 2023

The filmmaker also spoke about how he had to fight for the title as VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) sent him letters that they won’t tolerate it. Kabir said, “I told them that India is the only country where you can have this title. I fought for this title. I knew the baggage Bajrangi carries. Today, the first image that comes to mind is Babu Bajrangi and it’s the most negative association you can have with the film. I wanted Bajrangi to stand for what he is—the most fun god. I was not going to let the right-wingers appropriate Lord Hanuman as their own. Hanuman doesn’t belong to only one community. Bajrangi is a symbol of our ethos. And the way the audience has taken to the film, it proves that he belongs to the entire India.”

Even after eight years, Bajrangi Bhaijaan continues to be loved by Salman Khan fans. By his own admission, even his father finds his performance in the film, his career best.