Introduction

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has once again found himself in the middle of a controversy—this time over a limited-edition "Ram Janmabhoomi" watch he was spotted wearing. The timepiece, reportedly worth between ₹34 lakh to ₹61 lakh, has sparked heated debates across social media and religious communities.

While many fans lauded Salman for embracing Indian heritage, a section of Muslim clerics, particularly Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, called the act "haram" and un-Islamic. He stated that Salman should "repent for his un-Islamic activities." The controversy has since snowballed, drawing attention from media houses, religious groups, and Bollywood insiders.

The Watch: A Symbol of Faith and Luxury

The Jacob & Co. "Ram Janmabhoomi" special edition watch is no ordinary timepiece. It features:

• An engraving of "Jai Shri Ram" on the dial.
• Motifs of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman on the watch face.
• A custom design honoring the Ram Janmabhoomi temple in Ayodhya.
• Gold and diamond embellishments, making it a collector’s item.

Reports suggest that Salman Khan received this watch as a gift from his mother, Salma Khan. This adds another layer of intrigue, as Salma Khan, a practicing Muslim, has reportedly never objected to her son’s secular lifestyle.

Why Is This Controversial?

The backlash stems from the notion that Salman Khan, a Muslim actor, wearing a watch dedicated to Hindu religious sentiments, goes against Islamic beliefs. Critics argue that:

Islam prohibits the promotion of religious symbols from other faiths.

A Muslim publicly wearing a Hindu-themed accessory could be seen as an endorsement of a different faith.

Clerics view this as an attempt to appease the majority Hindu audience, especially ahead of his upcoming film "Sikandar."

Muslim Cleric’s Objection

Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi, a prominent Muslim scholar, stated:

"Islam forbids Muslims from promoting or displaying non-Islamic religious symbols. Salman Khan should seek forgiveness and refrain from such un-Islamic activities."

This statement has sparked a sharp divide among Salman’s fanbase. While some support the cleric’s views, others argue that Salman has always represented communal harmony in India.

Bollywood’s Take on the Controversy

Several Bollywood celebrities have indirectly reacted to the issue. Actor Abhishek Bachchan was previously seen sporting a similar Ram Janmabhoomi watch, indicating that this isn’t the first time the timepiece has made headlines.

Moreover, Salman’s upcoming film "Sikandar", scheduled for an Eid 2025 release, has further fueled speculation that the controversy is a publicity stunt to attract both Hindu and Muslim audiences.

Public Reactions: A Mixed Bag

• Supporters say: Salman Khan has the right to wear anything he likes, and no religious group should dictate his personal choices.
• Critics argue: He should be mindful of his status as a Muslim icon and avoid actions that could be seen as controversial.
• Some fans speculate: The controversy is an attempt to create a "boycott Sikandar" movement, similar to past cancel culture trends in Bollywood.

Conclusion: What’s Next for Salman Khan?

Despite the controversy, Salman Khan has not issued an official statement regarding the issue. However, given his history of handling controversies with diplomacy, he might choose to stay silent or issue a neutral response.

The bigger question remains: Is Salman Khan being unfairly targeted, or is this a calculated move for publicity? Only time will tell. One thing is certain—this controversy has only added to the buzz around his upcoming film, "Sikandar."