Mumbai: Salman Khan has found himself at the centre of social media praise after calling out trolls over post pregnancy body shaming, with the internet now affectionately dubbing him “Pookie”. His remarks on Bigg Boss 20 came amid online criticism of Katrina Kaif’s appearance following pregnancy, although the actor did not mention her by name.
During the latest Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 20, Salman questioned why women are targeted for changes in their bodies after pregnancy. He pointed out that weight gain can happen during pregnancy and said women should be allowed to spend time with their families before returning to work and getting fit.
“Why do you troll somebody who gets pregnant?” Salman said, adding that when a woman eventually returns to films, she can get fit then.
His comments came after Katrina Kaif faced social media trolling over her appearance and alleged weight gain following her attendance at a Ganpati celebration in Mumbai. Katrina and husband Vicky Kaushal welcomed their first child, son Vihaan, last November.
While Salman did not directly identify Katrina, the timing of his remarks led many viewers to connect his comments with the criticism directed at the actor. The response online was immediate, with users praising him for speaking against body shaming. Several called him a “green flag”, while others referred to him as “Pookie”, a Gen Z term of affection.
Salman did not stop at post pregnancy trolling. He also addressed comments about his own age and appearance. Referring to his 60th year, he questioned why people expected him to look the way he did during Maine Pyaar Kiya. At one point, he removed his hat and shirt, wiped off his makeup and challenged those who regularly comment on his changing appearance.
The actor also defended his brother Sohail Khan and mentioned Varun Dhawan while questioning the culture of mocking celebrities online. He further criticised paparazzi for what he described as inappropriate photographs of women, particularly shots focused on their bodies.
The episode has since sparked a wider conversation around celebrity trolling, postpartum body shaming, ageing and paparazzi culture. Meanwhile, Salman’s unexpected “Pookie” tag has become one of the most talked about reactions to his comments.
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