Paromita Das
New Delhi: For decades, Bollywood has been criticized for its portrayal of Hindu culture, often accused of misrepresenting or trivializing the essence of Hindutva. Films such as PK (2014) and Oh My God! (2012) stirred controversy for mocking Hindu deities and rituals, sparking outrage among viewers. More recently, Sacred Games (2018) and Tandav (2021) faced backlash for allegedly offending Hindu sentiments and reducing spiritual practices to stereotypes. Such depictions have fueled accusations of Bollywood being indifferent to or even antagonistic toward Hindu beliefs, which hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for millions.
Amid this narrative, Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has taken a surprising turn, showcasing an overt embrace of Hindutva through his custom-designed Ram Janmabhoomi Watch. With its saffron-themed design and engravings of the Ram Mandir, this luxury timepiece signals a stark departure from Bollywood’s usual portrayal of Hindu culture. Salman’s move has ignited discussions about whether Bollywood is beginning to align itself more closely with Hindu values in response to evolving audience expectations.
See you in theatres this Eid! pic.twitter.com/XlC2xFkIQ0
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) March 27, 2025
A Cultural Turn in Bollywood
Salman Khan’s latest move to sport the saffron-themed “Ram Janmabhoomi Watch” has stunned his fans and critics alike. Known for his mass appeal and his Eid-centered blockbuster releases, Salman Khan has now embraced a cultural symbol that resonates deeply with Hindu sentiments. This limited-edition luxury timepiece has become more than just a statement accessory; it has emerged as a symbol of solidarity with Hindu culture and traditions.
The Bollywood actor unveiled the watch while promoting his upcoming film Sikandar, set to release on March 30, 2025, coinciding with Eid. This strategic alignment of cultural symbolism with his brand image and an upcoming blockbuster has ignited debates in the entertainment and socio-political circles.
The Ram Janmabhoomi Watch: A Masterpiece of Symbolism
The “Epic X Ram Janmabhoomi Titanium Edition 2,” a collaborative effort by luxury watchmaker Jacob & Co. and Indian brand Ethos, is more than just a high-end accessory. Priced at a staggering ₹34 lakh, the watch features intricate engravings of the Ram Mandir, Lord Ram, and Lord Hanuman, and is adorned with a saffron strap symbolizing purity and devotion.
This timepiece was introduced to commemorate the consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya in 2024, making it a symbol of spiritual and cultural pride. The saffron theme, coupled with the detailed artistry of the watch, represents the essence of Hindutva and pays homage to one of the most sacred sites for Hindus worldwide.
Salman Khan’s Surprising Move
Salman Khan has always been a Bollywood figure who keeps his audience guessing. From his larger-than-life action roles to his philanthropic initiatives, the actor has mastered the art of staying relevant. By sporting the Ram Janmabhoomi watch, Salman Khan has not only made a bold fashion statement but also shown his willingness to align with a theme deeply rooted in Bharat’s cultural and religious identity.
This move has sparked discussions about whether this alignment with Hindutva is a genuine gesture of respect or a calculated publicity strategy to win over audiences amid the growing cultural consciousness in Bharat. Interestingly, Salman Khan is not the first Bollywood star to sport this watch—Abhishek Bachchan was spotted with the same timepiece two months ago during the launch of the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL).
Hindutva in Bollywood: A Shift in Narrative?
Bollywood has often faced criticism for its perceived apathy toward or misrepresentation of Hindu culture. Movies such as PK, Sacred Games, and others have drawn flak for their portrayal of Hindu traditions, often leading to accusations of promoting “Hinduphobia.” Many believe that Bollywood’s creative elite have been more inclined to romanticize or glorify other cultures and religions, sidelining Hindu traditions in the process.
Salman Khan’s endorsement of the Ram Janmabhoomi watch represents a sharp departure from this trend. Whether it’s an organic shift or a strategic branding exercise, it reflects a changing dynamic in Bollywood, where the industry seems more attuned to the growing importance of cultural representation.
Cultural Branding or Genuine Respect?
While Salman Khan’s move has been lauded by many, it has also drawn its share of skepticism. Critics argue that the timing—just before the release of Sikandar—suggests a calculated attempt to tap into the growing cultural consciousness among audiences. Others, however, view this as a genuine step toward embracing Bharat’s rich cultural heritage.
It is also worth noting that this comes at a time when audiences have become more vocal about their expectations from Bollywood. The rise of boycotts and demands for authenticity in cultural representation has forced the industry to rethink its approach. Salman Khan’s association with the Ram Janmabhoomi-themed watch could be seen as a response to these shifting dynamics, signaling that Bollywood is willing to align with the sentiments of its audience.
A Turning Point for Bollywood?
Salman Khan’s decision to embrace a cultural symbol like the Ram Janmabhoomi watch is a moment of reflection for Bollywood. Whether driven by genuine respect or strategic branding, it marks a significant departure from the industry’s longstanding narrative of neglecting or misrepresenting Hindu culture.
As Bollywood grapples with changing audience expectations, the move by Salman Khan—and by extension, others in the industry—might signal a broader shift. While it remains to be seen whether this trend will sustain or fade, it is clear that cultural representation and respect are becoming non-negotiable aspects of Bollywood’s engagement with its audience.
With Sikandar set to release on Eid 2025, the coming months will reveal whether Salman Khan’s surprising cultural embrace resonates with audiences or is dismissed as yet another publicity stunt. For now, the saffron strap on his wrist stands as a testament to the evolving interplay between Bollywood, Hindutva, and audience expectations.
The post Bollywood’s Evolving Relationship with Hindutva: A Surprising Turn with Salman Khan’s Ram Janmabhoomi Watch appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
