Ranbir: 'Salman is a good man with a big heart'

While the reactions to Salman Khan's recent sentencing in the 2002 hit and run case ranges from emotional to downright bizarre, several Bollywood A-listers have chosen to remain silent on the matter.

While Shah Rukh Khan reportedly paid Salman a visit at his Galaxy Apartments flat in Bandra, a western Mumbai suburb, a day before the scheduled hearing, many others spoke up in support on Twitter.

One of the most vocal and fiery stars on Twitter at present, Rishi Kapoor gave a verbal dressing down to the likes of Farah Khan Ali and singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya, whose criticism of the verdict has drawn immense flak.

Now his star son Ranbir Kapoor has spoken up on the issue.

Addressing mediapersons at a promotional event for his upcoming film Bombay Velvet, the actor gave a typically measured answer.

"We don't want to challenge the law and all of that. But my family and I have known Mr Salman Khan personally for many years and I can vouch for the fact that he is a good man with a big heart.

"He has helped countless people with his foundation (Being Human).

"We need him to continue with his good work. During trying times like this you only wish strength to the family and to him. I am sure he is going to bounce back soon. We wish him love and luck."

Image: Salman Khan and Ranbir Kapoor at the music launch of Ranbir's debut film Saawariya. Photograph: Pradeep Bandekar