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: Salman Khan
Age: 40
Nationality: Indian
Claim to fame: The bad boy of Bollywood finally behind the bars
SAlMAN Khan seems to invite trouble almost masochistically. He is finally where everyone feared he would end up sooner or later - in jail. The Bollywood superstar was sentenced to five years rigorous imprisonment last Monday and send to the Central Jail in Jodhpur by a local court for killing endangered black buck in 1998. He was also fined Rs25,000 and immediately taken into custody and sent off to jail.
Salman, who appeared swollen-eyed and dazed after the verdict, was swiftly taken away by police, leaving no room for comments to the press. And in jail, the screen heartthrob got no special treatment and had to spend the nights in an ordinary cell and eat the same ordinary food served to other prisoners. The actor's family and many in Bollywood believe that Salman's celebrity status is responsible for harsh punishment matted out to him.. They could be right as the chief judicial magistrate made it clear when pronouncing the verdict that he wanted to set an example in this case.
To be honest, Salman Khan had it coming. In fact, it's a surprise that it took so long for
him to land up in jail, for the guy has been
courting trouble since he shed his milk teeth.
... He had been called everything from a spoilt brat; to.a hottempered and brash guy who gets into a fight at the drop of a hat. He is known for his weakness for drinking and women. Countless times he has picked up fights after getting drunk, roughed up the press every now and then been aggressive to
~his girl friends and those around them, and rumoured to have links with the underworld.
In the early hours of September 28, 2002, SaIman allegedly drove, while totally drunk, over four pavement dwellers, killing one. The actor was out the same day ona mere Rs15O
bail, though he did nof possess a driving

licence and his blood test revealed double the permissible alcohol level. Salman denied driving the car and that he was drunk and said that his bodyguard was driving. The funny thing is, his bodyguard didn't know how to drive! There were probably a few strings pulled and a few pockets filled because key witnesses soon changed their statements and Khan remained a free man. Till now.
No doubt, Salim Khan, Salman's father, his family and many in the film industry are going to move heaven and earth to get Salman out of jail. The actor has many projects under prduction and

there is too much

money at stake.

The jail term is going to be a real setback for
the actor's career. However, it seems unlikely
that Salman will be able to taste freedom any time soon. The public is tired of considering his mistakes as just the nadaniyan of a spolt and famous boy. And the law is all out to prove
that no one is above the law - particularly a habitual troublemaker.--Wajeeha Rehan
Article in the daily DAWN,Karachi.