Singer Sona Mahapatra has taken a sharp jab at Bollywood superstar Salman Khan over his recent remarks defending the 31-year age gap between him and his Sikandar co-star, Rashmika Mandanna. Labelling him the “bhai of toxic masculinity,” Sona criticised his justification, which she found regressive and problematic.

Sona Calls Out Salman’s ‘Permission’ Comment

On Monday, Sona took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam Salman’s response to the ongoing debate. The actor, when asked about the significant age gap with Rashmika, had dismissed concerns by saying, “If the heroine and her father have no issue, why should anyone else?”

Reacting to this, Sona wrote, “Heroine aur heroine ke ‘BAAP’ ko koi problem nahin hai’ (If the heroine and her father are fine with it), to jab inki shaadi ho jaegi (when she gets married) &…‘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?”

Salman’s Take on the Age-Gap Criticism

During the Sikandar trailer launch on Sunday, Salman addressed criticism about being paired with younger actresses, particularly Rashmika. In his characteristic style, he quipped, “If the heroine and her father have no problem, why do you? When she gets married and has a daughter, I will work with her too. Her mother’s permission will be sorted.”

His comment, meant to be lighthearted, did not sit well with many, with critics like Sona calling out the casual dismissal of the industry’s age-gap dynamics.

All About Sikandar

Salman’s upcoming film Sikandar is an action-packed entertainer directed by AR Murugadoss, known for hits like Ghajini and Holiday. The film, set against the backdrop of Mumbai’s crime world, will see Salman in a high-octane role, with Rashmika playing his love interest. The cast also includes Kajal Aggarwal.

Produced under Sajid Nadiadwala’s Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Sikandar is set to hit theatres on Eid 2025.

While fans eagerly await Salman’s larger-than-life persona on screen, the debate over Bollywood’s entrenched age-gap culture continues to stir discussions online.