Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan Age Gap: Calls Him ‘Bhai of Toxic Masculinity’
The debate around age gaps in Bollywood casting has resurfaced after singer Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan age gap expressed sharp criticism over his recent remarks. Her comments came following the trailer launch of Sikandar, where Salman Khan defended the 31-year age gap between himself and co-star Rashmika Mandanna. Sona’s reaction went viral, bringing attention once again to gender dynamics in Indian cinema.
Sona Mohapatra Slams Salman Khan’s Comment
Singer and activist Sona Mohapatra took to X (formerly Twitter) to call out Salman Khan’s statement during the Sikandar trailer event. Her reaction, now trending under Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan age gap, sparked intense debate online.
She posted:
“Heroine aur heroine ke ‘BAAP’ ko koi problem nahin hai… to jab inki shaadi ho jaegi… ’permission’ like garbage response on being asked about the out of context 31-year gap with his leading lady. The ‘BHAI’ of toxic masculinity, patriarchy doesn’t realise that #India has changed?”
Salman Khan’s Controversial Statement
At the trailer launch, Salman Khan was asked about the stark age difference between him and Rashmika Mandanna. His response stirred controversy.
“Heroine ke father ko problem nahi hain. Kal jab inki shaadi ho jayegi, bacche ho jaenge, aur tab bhi kaam karenge. Pati ka permission toh mil hi jayega na?”
This remark became the trigger for the Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan age gap controversy and led to widespread criticism of the actor’s outdated viewpoint.
Public Response and Online Reactions
Social media quickly caught fire, with many netizens supporting Sona Mohapatra’s stance. Hashtags like Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan age gap started trending, as people debated the normalized practice of older male actors pairing with younger female leads in Bollywood.
While some supported Salman’s statement, others felt his response reinforced harmful gender stereotypes and dismissed women’s autonomy.
About Sikandar and the Cast
Amid the controversy, Sikandar continues to generate buzz as one of the most anticipated films of 2025. The action-packed film, directed by AR Murugadoss and produced by Sajid Nadiadwala, stars Salman Khan alongside Rashmika Mandanna.
The cast also includes seasoned actors like Kajal Aggarwal, Sharman Joshi, Suniel Shetty, Sathyaraj, and Prateik Babbar. Sikandar is slated for a grand release on March 28, during the Eid weekend.
Despite the growing momentum, the Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan age gap controversy may impact audience perception leading up to the release.
Age Gaps in Bollywood: A Repetitive Pattern
The issue raised by Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan age gap isn’t new. The industry has long been criticized for its repeated casting of older male actors opposite much younger women.
In this case, Salman Khan, 58, is paired with 27-year-old Rashmika Mandanna, resulting in a 31-year age gap. Critics argue this trend perpetuates unrealistic beauty and age standards and reduces female roles to eye candy instead of substantial characters.
Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan Age Gap: A Wake-Up Call?
By calling out Salman Khan so directly, Sona Mohapatra has reignited discussions around ageism and sexism in Bollywood. The Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan age gap row is more than just a celebrity spat—it’s a critique of a system that normalizes these choices without questioning the deeper implications.
Her bold statement challenges filmmakers and audiences alike to reflect on whether such casting choices still resonate with modern viewers.
Conclusion
As Sikandar prepares to hit cinemas, the buzz around the film remains strong—but so does the criticism. The Sona Mohapatra on Salman Khan age gap controversy has shone a spotlight on long-standing industry practices that many believe need to evolve.
Whether this impacts the film’s box office performance remains to be seen. But one thing is clear—Sona Mohapatra’s voice has sparked a necessary conversation that refuses to be ignored.
