As Salman Khan gears up for the release of his much-awaited film Sikandar, much of the buzz surrounding the movie has focused on the 30-year age gap between him and his co-star, Rashmika Mandanna. The 59-year-old actor will be seen romancing the 28-year-old actress, and this pairing has sparked several conversations in the media and online. In a recent press conference, Salman addressed these concerns head-on with his usual wit and candidness.
Salman’s Response to Age Gap Criticism
During the trailer launch of Sikandar, the actor was asked about the 30-year age gap between him and his co-star Rashmika. Salman, known for his sharp sense of humor, responded by turning the focus on the larger picture. He said, “Phir vo bolte hain 31 years ka difference hai heroine aur mujh mein. Jab heroine ko problem nahi hain, heroine ke father ko problem nahi hain, tumko kya problem hain?” (Then they say there’s a 31-year difference between the heroine and me. If the heroine has no problem, and her father has no problem, then what problem do you have?). He went on to humorously suggest that when Rashmika eventually gets married and has children, she would still continue working, with her husband’s permission.
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Salman’s playful approach to the age gap controversy was his way of addressing what has often been a topic of discussion, particularly when it comes to his younger female co-stars. While his comments may have raised some eyebrows, he was clear in stating that he had no qualms about working with actresses of different age groups.
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Praises for Rashmika Mandanna’s Professionalism
Despite the age gap controversy, Salman was full of praise for Rashmika’s professionalism and work ethic. He shared how, despite her demanding schedule, which included shooting for Pushpa 2, Rashmika gave her best on the Sikandar set. Salman revealed that she would work on Pushpa 2 until 7 pm, join Sikandar’s shoot at 9 pm, and continue working until 6:30 am the next morning. “She didn’t cancel a single day of shooting even after breaking her leg,” Salman added, admiring Rashmika’s dedication. He compared her to a younger version of himself, drawing a parallel between their work ethics.
Social Media Reactions to the Pairing
When the news broke that Salman Khan would be paired opposite Rashmika Mandanna, some social media users expressed their concerns over the age gap, with some criticizing Salman for frequently choosing younger actresses as his leading ladies. However, neither the actor nor the film’s makers responded to these online debates until Salman’s recent remarks. His openness about the situation, along with his praise for Rashmika, helped shift the narrative, focusing instead on her hard work and commitment to the film.
As Sikandar prepares for its release, it’s clear that the age-gap conversation will remain a talking point, but Salman Khan’s candid handling of the issue has certainly made waves in the industry.
