Editor’s Insight
DUBAI: While Pakistani social media users have sharply criticized Bollywood superstar Salman Khan for his remarks concerning Balochistan, many in Balochistan have welcomed his comments, and individuals from Afghanistan and India have acknowledged the historical context behind them.
The controversy arose from Khan’s appearance at the Joy Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he attended alongside Bollywood icons Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Responding to a question about a dream film project that could be made in Saudi Arabia, Salman Khan stated:
Salman Khan
“If you make a Hindi film here, it will be a super hit, but Tamil, Telugu, or Malayalam movies would do hundreds of crores of business in the GCC region, because so many people from our countries, including Balochistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and others, are working here.”
The Khans were participating in the international entertainment event organized under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which brought together global stars, producers, and influencers from the film, music, and gaming industries to discuss collaborations and the cultural impact of cinema worldwide.
Many in Balochistan interpreted Salman Khan’s remarks as a long-overdue acknowledgment of their distinct cultural and historical identity. In contrast, critics in Pakistan accused the actor of undermining the country’s territorial integrity, arguing that his comments disregarded Pakistan’s official narrative and national unity.
Observers from Afghanistan and India, however, emphasized that Khan’s statement reflected historical realities, centuries-old migrations, and the deep-rooted presence of Baloch communities across the Gulf region. Analysts say the controversy highlights the delicate intersection of celebrity influence, historical memory, and national sentiment in South Asia.
It is worth noting that the Baloch people have coexisted with Arab populations in the GCC countries for centuries. According to official sources, around 20 percent of Oman’s population consists of ethnic Baloch tribes, while unofficial estimates place that figure closer to 40 percent. The Baloch presence is also prominent in the bureaucracies, armed forces, and other key professions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain, reinforcing the validity of Khan’s observations.
Moreover, several Bollywood figures over time have mentioned Balochistan as their ancestral homeland or birthplace. Notably, the late legendary comedian Kader Khan and veteran actor Raaj Kumar were both born in regions now part of Balochistan.
Additionally, the 1950 Bollywood classic Sargam featured a song that referenced Balochistan as a country, reflecting the cultural awareness of the era.
In a more contemporary context, Asma Mohammed Rafi Al Balushi from Oman, known for her collaborations in South Asian music, has also performed alongside Salman Khan, underscoring his familiarity with Baloch culture and artists.
These connections suggest that Khan’s remarks were not a slip of the tongue but rather an informed acknowledgment rooted in his understanding of Baloch history and identity.
