MUMBAI: There isn’t any mincing of words when it comes to speaking about Salman Khan. Salim Khan, his father, has come to the superstar’s defense. He reveals that Salman Khan is an ordinary citizen. He isn’t above the law, but is being treated unfairly – prosecuted for being a celebrity, one might say.

With the hit-and-run case being subjudice, and the hearing to start soon, he pleads that only law should decide the actor’s fate.

Salim Khan has come out emotionally defending his son and says that its time to speak up because Salman Khan has been misrepresented in many ways. Recalling the details of the fateful night, says Salim, “Hit-and-run has the implication of being callous and a coward. You become an insensitive person and a coward if you want to run away in such a situation. The car skidded and hit the footpath at 2.30 in the night and thereby, people who were sleeping on it. It is unfortunate that apparently, it was the first day they were sleeping on the footpath as it was the month of September when the monsoons had just got over. The accident happened 100 meters away from the house and the car was stuck there and was removed only in the morning. Coincidentally, Salman had a police constable (Ravinder Patil) with him at that time given to him for his protection.

“There was a crowd and there were stones being thrown at the car at which point, the police constable whose job it was to protect Salman, took him away from there and brought him home where his statements were recorded and then he was taken for the alcohol test. So where is the question of running away?

Salman Khan had been asked to give 20 lakhs when he got bail; his passport was confiscated and was asked to stay away from witnesses. Father Salim Khan says that this is proof that Salman has been tried as a normal citizen and not been given any concessions on account of his star status. Infact, no one has been asked to give so much money and only because it’s Salman Khan has the court been harsh, he further explains.

The trial is yet to begin. The verdict isn’t out yet. But Salman Khan seems to be on the path to mending relations and bettering friendships.

Has Salman Khan accepted the realities of life?

Here’s a glimpse of his numerous court appearances over the years…