The high point of nearly every Salman Khan film is when he rips off his shirt, sparking frenzy among Bollywood audiences, but his millions of fans could soon be missing their macho fix.
Khan, son of celebrated screen writer Salim Khan, has been jailed for five years for shooting endangered wildlife nearly 20 years ago.
Accused of everything from killing a homeless man in a hit-and-run to assaulting a former Miss World, prison for poaching rare blackbucks is a scenario that few could have imagined for Khan.
But like the earlier brushes with scandal, it is unlikely to wound his reputation.
The Indian superstar's latest blockbuster Tiger Zinda Hai (Tiger Is Alive) has made US$85 million (Dh312m) worldwide, underpinning his popularity.
According to Forbes, Salman Khan made $37m in 2017, coming in at number nine on its list of the world's highest-paid actors, one position below fellow Bollwood star Shah Rukh Khan.
His 2016 movie Sultan, in which Khan played an ageing wrestler, notched up one of the highest-grossing opening weekends in Hindi cinema history, proving that for his legions of fans the body-building actor known as "Bhai", Hindi for "brother", can do no wrong.
The actor has a cult-like status in star-obsessed India. Most of his devotees are young men who envy his glamorous lifestyle.
They are largely from the urban masses around India who eke out a living in Mumbai and other cities but dream of more.
They emulate his Bollywood big hair and wear pirated T-shirts emblazoned with the logo of Khan's "Being Human" charity. At weekends they gather outside his home where Khan waves from his balcony.
Khan has never married, which has only augmented his offscreen aura.
Bollywood film industry analyst Komal Nahta said the conviction and any jail term would only delay Khan's movies but not seriously harm his career.
"He is a superstar whose films guarantee huge box office numbers," Nahta said. "A jail term might affect a few films that are in the pipeline."
"These films can wait as they have not yet begun production and at present it would only mean a loss of time rather than money investment."
"He has always been the poster boy of a large section of the youth population," said filmmaker Nikkhil Advani, who directed Khan in the 2007 romantic drama Salaam E Ishq.
Khan has starred in more than 100 films and television shows since his first hit Maine Pyar Kiya (I Fell in Love) in 1989. He has been named best actor at the Bollywood Filmfare awards 11 times since 1990.
He breaks records nearly every year, defying the controversy that has dogged his personal life.
Khan was sentenced to five years in jail in 2002 for killing a homeless man in a late-night hit-and-run crash. That was overturned in 2015 but the acquittal is now being challenged in the supreme court.
Khan spent a week in prison in 1998 when first accused of using unlicensed arms to shoot the blackbuck.
His image also took a hit when he was accused of assaulting former Miss World and Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai during a relationship which ended more than a decade ago. Khan has denied ever hitting any women.
Director Kabir Khan, who worked with Khan on Bajrangi Bhaijaan, one of his most acclaimed movies, believes his misdemeanours hint at a "vulnerability" that audiences relate to.
"He makes politically incorrect statements but that seems to endear him to audiences who see him the way he is," he said.
"He's immensely popular because he wears his heart on his sleeve, he's a bad boy and a brat, but then he does all this good work with Being Human.
"His fans stand by him and overlook many of his indiscretions by saying his heart is in the right place."
Khan describes himself as a "humanitarian" on his Twitter profile and filmmaker Advani believes his "image makeover" has helped him persuade fans "to feel that he was always misunderstood and somewhat scapegoated".
Khan's following has been enhanced by his hosting of the Indian version of reality TV show Big Brother. He has also won praise for taking on difficult roles, such as in Sultan, where his weight fluctuates wildly.
"He isn't just playing safe and holding on to the success, unlike some of his peers," said Kabir Khan.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
if you go
The flights
Air Astana flies direct from Dubai to Almaty from Dh2,440 per person return, and to Astana (via Almaty) from Dh2,930 return, both including taxes.
The hotels
Rooms at the Ritz-Carlton Almaty cost from Dh1,944 per night including taxes; and in Astana the new Ritz-Carlton Astana (www.marriott) costs from Dh1,325; alternatively, the new St Regis Astana costs from Dh1,458 per night including taxes.
When to visit
March-May and September-November
Visas
Citizens of many countries, including the UAE do not need a visa to enter Kazakhstan for up to 30 days. Contact the nearest Kazakhstan embassy or consulate.
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
More from Janine di Giovanni
Sholto Byrnes on Myanmar politics
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201.8-litre%204-cyl%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E190hp%20at%205%2C200rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20320Nm%20from%201%2C800-5%2C000rpm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ESeven-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFuel%20consumption%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.7L%2F100km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh111%2C195%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
