Mumbai, Oct 13 (NationPress) Bollywood icon Salman Khan has recently responded to the stirred discussions regarding his purportedly unprofessional conduct while filming "Sikandar". During the latest episode of Bigg Boss Season 19, the actor openly tackled the controversy. He clarified that his delays on set were not due to carelessness, but rather a result of an injury he sustained while filming.

The director, acknowledging his own tardiness, remarked, "I used to arrive at 9 PM," which Salman humorously explained was because "my rib was broken." This revelation elicited laughter and applause from the audience. Salman defended his professionalism, stating, "People can say what they wish, but I never compromise on my work. If a film doesn't resonate with the audience, it doesn’t imply anyone was unprofessional."

In his characteristic humorous manner, Salman subtly criticized filmmaker A. R. Murugadoss, who recently released "Madharaasi". Although he refrained from naming him directly, he commented, "He’s made another movie now, 'Madharaasi.' It's a huge film – a much bigger blockbuster than 'Sikandar.'" This quip entertained the audience. Salman further revealed that "Sikandar" was initially a collaboration between Murugadoss and producer Sajid Nadiadwala, but they eventually parted ways due to production challenges. "I still believed in the story and stood by it until the end. I have no regrets about 'Sikandar.' It was an emotional film, and I take pride in it," he stated. For those unaware, Murugadoss had previously attributed the film's lackluster performance to Salman's late arrivals, claiming they disrupted shooting schedules, particularly during scenes with younger co-stars.

The filmmaker acknowledged that while the script had significant emotional depth, the execution fell short of his vision. Salman maintained a composed demeanor when discussing the film’s outcome, stating, "Not every film succeeds, and that’s perfectly okay. The crucial thing is to respect the effort and move ahead."

In an earlier chat with IANS, actor-producer Nikhil Dwivedi, who worked with Salman on "Dabangg 3", subtly contradicted Murugadoss’s claims, sharing his firsthand experience with Khan. He noted, "For the past 10 to 15 years, most of Salman’s films have released around Eid; that indicates he’s working continuously to meet a specific date." He questioned the "Salman being late" narrative, asserting, "How can he meet a release date if he isn’t shooting enough?"

Dwivedi further elaborated on the expectations of artists in the industry, stating, "Does an artist need to show up at 9 AM to prove dedication, or is it more vital that they utilize their time effectively on set?" He emphasized that Salman’s schedule is demanding, involving back-to-back projects, including Bigg Boss. "Has there ever been a weekend where he was absent or late without a valid reason?" he queried. It’s essential to recognize the artist’s prerogative in choosing a time that suits them best for work, which he believes is often overlooked.

Nikhil concluded by praising Salman, stating, "He is the most easygoing actor anyone can work with, and I genuinely mean that. He doesn't have unnecessary demands." He also mentioned, "If you provide him with any vehicle, he’d accept it without concern for the model. Working with him has never been an issue."