Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s upcoming film Sikandar, set to release on March 30, is making headlines, but not just for its cinematic appeal.

The 31-year age gap between Salman and his co-star Rashmika Mandanna has sparked widespread debate.

Addressing the criticism at a recent promotional event in Mumbai, Salman dismissed the concerns, saying, “If the heroine and her father don’t have a problem with the age gap, why are others questioning it?” His remark, however, did not sit well with many, including singer Sona Mohapatra.

Sona Mohapatra’s response

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sona Mohapatra, known for her outspoken views, strongly criticized Salman’s statement. She called him the ‘Bhai of Toxic Masculinity’ and slammed his mention of the actress’s father in the argument.

Sona wrote, “Heroine aur heroine ke ‘BAAP’ ko koi problem nahin hai’… ‘permission’ like garbage response on being asked about the out-of-context 31-year gap with his leading lady.” She further added, “The ‘BHAI’ of toxic masculinity, patriarchy doesn’t realise that #India has changed?”

What exactly did Salman say?

At the Sikandar trailer launch, Salman had said, “Phir woh bolte hain 31 years ka difference hai heroine aur mujh mein, arrey jab heroine ko problem nahi hai, heroine ke papa ko dikkat nahi hai, tumko kyun dikkat hai bhai? Inki shaadi hogi, bachchi hongi, toh unke sath bhi kaam karenge. Mummy ki permission toh mil hi jayega.”

While some fans defended Salman’s take, others felt it highlighted Bollywood’s ongoing issue of casting older male actors opposite much younger female leads. With discussions heating up online, this controversy has once again put Bollywood’s age-gap dynamics under the spotlight.