Behind the scenes of Salman Khan's 2002 hit-and-run case. His family had to step in, reveals 'Garv' director

Time of India

a day ago

Family's Crucial Role in Keeping Salman Focused
Maintaining Morale on Set
Garv's Success at the Box Office
Hit-and-Run Case and Other Legal Challenges
Actor-filmmaker Puneet Issar recently opened up about his experience directing Salman Khan in the 2004 film Garv: Pride & Honour, during what was a highly difficult period for the actor. At the time, Salman was battling serious legal charges related to the 2002 hit-and-run case. Despite the ongoing media scrutiny and emotional turmoil, the actor continued shooting for the film with a strong sense of discipline and professionalism.In an interview with Siddharth Kannan, Puneet revealed that Salman was mentally disturbed by the case, but his family played a significant role in helping him stay on track. Issar recalled a conversation with Salman's father, veteran screenwriter Salim Khan , who urged him to encourage Salman to remain committed to his work.According to Issar, Salim Khan believed that keeping busy was the best way for Salman to deal with the situation. The family collectively decided that work would help stabilize him, and Issar supported this approach on set.Despite the intense pressure from the media and the legal system, Salman remained upbeat and cooperative during the shoot. Puneet noted that the actor was focused and carried a positive attitude.He described Salman as highly professional, often coming to set after a workout session and staying fully engaged in his scenes. This attitude, Issar believes, was key to navigating the difficult phase and ensuring the successful completion of the project.Issar also spoke about Salman's physical dedication and talent. He recalled that Salman was exceptionally athletic, performing complex stunts with ease. From skating to horse riding, the actor showed complete control over his physical skills.According to Issar, Salman's ability to execute challenging sequences in a single day was remarkable and contributed to the film's high-action appeal.Garv turned out to be a commercial success. Made on a modest budget of ₹14–15 crore, the film reportedly earned around ₹89 crore. It also cemented Salman's standing as one of the top stars in the industry, alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan. Issar credited Salman's performance and the high-octane action scenes for the film's popularity.The 2002 hit-and-run incident involved Salman allegedly driving an SUV over people sleeping on a pavement in Bandra, resulting in one fatality. Reports also suggested he was under the influence of alcohol. He was initially charged with culpable homicide. After years of legal proceedings, the Bombay High Court acquitted him in 2015, citing lack of evidence to conclusively prove he was driving the vehicle or was intoxicated.This wasn't Salman's only legal battle. In 1998, he was accused of poaching blackbucks during the shoot of Hum Saath Saath Hain. He was convicted in 2018 and sentenced to five years in prison, but was granted bail shortly after spending two nights in Jodhpur Central Jail.