Ram Gopal Varma Highlights the Deep-Rooted Grudge Between Lawrence Bishnoi and Salman Khan
Filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma recently took to social media to weigh in on the ongoing friction between Lawrence Bishnoi and Bollywood actor Salman Khan, tracing the roots of the conflict back to the 1998 blackbuck poaching incident. Varma noted that Bishnoi, now 31, was just a five-year-old child when the incident occurred, highlighting the enduring animosity felt by Bishnoi and his community toward the actor. The infamous case, which arose during the filming of the movie *Hum Saath-Saath Hain* in Rajasthan, has cast a long shadow over Salman Khan’s career, with frequent legal challenges and lingering public debate.
The blackbuck is considered sacred by the Bishnoi community, which is deeply committed to wildlife protection. For them, the poaching incident was not just a legal matter but a violation of their cultural and spiritual values. Varma emphasized the longstanding nature of the controversy, pointing out that Bishnoi’s anger toward Salman Khan has persisted for over two decades. He expressed astonishment at the fact that Bishnoi, who was a mere child at the time of the alleged poaching, has maintained such intense animosity, now even declaring that his life’s mission is to seek revenge against the actor.
The 1998 incident involved the illegal hunting of a blackbuck, a protected species in India, during a film shoot. Salman Khan and several co-stars were accused of hunting the animal, leading to numerous legal battles over the years. While some of the other accused were eventually acquitted, Khan’s legal troubles persisted. The Bishnoi community, which reveres the blackbuck, was vocal in its condemnation, and the matter took a darker turn when threats began to emerge from Lawrence Bishnoi.
Bishnoi, who has also been associated with the alias Balkaran Barar, first drew public attention during a court appearance in Jodhpur in 2018, where he openly expressed his desire to harm Salman Khan. Declaring in court that the actor deserved to be killed for the blackbuck’s death, he made headlines for his bold statements and dangerous rhetoric. Since then, his resentment has only appeared to deepen, with reports of continued threats and possible violent intentions aimed at the actor.
Ram Gopal Varma’s social media comments underscored the almost surreal nature of the situation, wherein a childhood incident has now morphed into a lifelong vendetta. He questioned whether Bishnoi’s actions could be viewed as extreme devotion to animal rights or something else entirely. Varma’s observation serves as a reminder of the emotional and cultural weight carried by the blackbuck case within the Bishnoi community. The dispute reflects not just a legal issue but a clash of values and identities, with the blackbuck symbolizing something far more profound than wildlife conservation.
The Bishnoi community’s devotion to environmental protection is well-documented, with the blackbuck occupying a particularly sacred place in their belief system. Over the years, various Bishnoi leaders have expressed that the incident represents a significant affront to their traditions and values. For Lawrence Bishnoi, this has seemingly translated into a personal mission, framing his long-standing grudge as a form of justice for what he views as a cultural transgression.
Varma’s comments add a layer of irony to the ongoing narrative. He suggested that the prolonged nature of the grudge defies simple explanations, hinting that it might be more than just about animal love. Bishnoi’s apparent fixation on avenging the poaching incident has kept the controversy alive, ensuring that Salman Khan’s past actions remain under scrutiny even after decades.
In reflecting on the situation, Ram Gopal Varma’s remarks serve as a pointed reminder of how deeply cultural and emotional factors can influence long-standing disputes. The blackbuck case, beyond its legal implications, has become a symbol of the enduring cultural rift between Khan and the Bishnoi community. As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this narrative of revenge and justice will evolve.