Salman's hit-and-run case: Worst is not around the corner for him, says Mahesh Bhatt

The latest development in Salman Khan's 11-year-old hit-and-run case —the actor will now be tried under the more serious Indian Penal Code Section 304-II (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), which attracts a maximum punishment of 10 years — has shaken Bollywood. A majority of industry insiders feel that Salman is being targeted because of his celebrity status. Here's what some of them have to say:

Mahesh Bhatt, filmmaker
"As an insider, I beg with folded hands and bent knees that Salman be looked at as a common man. There are so many cases of accidents happening with lakhs of people dying, but I don't see nation's heart bleeding then. I think celebrity bashing satiates the baser emotions of sadists. In this case, let me assure you that there is no reason to imagine that sky has fallen and the worst is around the corner for Salman. First of all, it can't be called a case of hit and run as nobody is running away. My informed sources say that unless the due process of law is exhausted, all those jumping to conclusions that this is the end of the road for Salman, will be disappointed."

Subhash Ghai, filmmaker
"Personally, I am very close to him. He is an excellent human being, who has been helping out people. The judiciary will do justice. But rich or poor, everyone has to be treated equally. Just because Salman is a celebrity, everything is being blown out of proportion. He is a huge asset to the industry. More than a superstar, he commands respect from every corner."

Vikram Bhatt, filmmaker
"It is a case of rash driving that can happen to anybody — thousands of people are booked for rash driving. Salman is the most charitable star in the industry. But of course, the law will not look at it that way; it will take its own course as it should. There is a rehabilitation process — law is not just meant for punishment. God forbid if something happens, it'll be a big blow to the industry. I guess in this case, it will be a long process. Nothing will happen in a hurry, perhaps it will go on for another 10 to 12 years."

Will Pavitra Rishta’s Ankita Lokhande be Shahrukh Khan’s new heroine in Happy New Year?

The Kai Po Che! famed actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s girlfriend Ankita Lokhande is likely to romance Shahrukh Khan in Farah Khan’s next

Her boyfriend made a mark for himself in the big bad world of Bollywood by delivering a scintillating performance in Abhishek Kapoor’s widely acclaimed movie Kai Po Che!. And now it is Sushant Singh Rajput’s girlfriend Ankita Lokhande’s turn to shine on the silverscreen. Both Sushant and Ankita have been popular names in the TV domain thanks to their charming pairing in Zee Television’s popular series Pavitra Rishta.
Sushant made his Bollywood debut early this year and impressed the audiences with his acting skills as well as with his endearing personality. As per our sources, Ankita will soon be making her movie debut right opposite Shahrukh Khan!
Yes, the beauty will be seen romancing none other than the baadshah of B-town in Farah Khan’s forthcoming movie Happy New Year, if we believe what we hear. Interestingly, Shahrukh spotted Ankita at the recently held IIFA awards in Macau where Ankita performed a dance number.
The 48-year-old actor was thoroughly impressed with Ankita’s charisma. He then quickly asked Farah to consider Ankita for the movie. Now we are waiting to see if Ankita will be on the board to romance the most romantic hero of Indian cinema.