Salman Khan’s ex-girlfriend, Somi Ali, has shared new insights into the actor’s involvement in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. As Salman continues to face death threats from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, Somi has come forward with claims that he was unaware of the Bishnoi community’s deep connection with the blackbuck, an animal they revere and protect.
Salman Didn’t Know About the Bishnoi Tradition
In an interview with India Today, Somi Ali revealed that Salman was oblivious to the religious significance of the blackbuck to the Bishnoi community. “Why should he apologize for something he didn’t even know about?” Somi remarked, defending Salman. According to her, the incident was unintentional, and Salman had no prior knowledge of the cultural importance of the blackbuck.
Somi also shared that she was supposed to accompany Salman on the night of the hunting, but he decided against it. “Salman didn’t take me along that night because he thought I would make too much noise and scare away the animals,” she explained. While Somi does not enjoy hunting herself, she acknowledged that Salman often participated in it during outdoor shoots.
The Blackbuck Incident: A Misunderstanding
Recalling her conversations with Salman, Somi expressed frustration at the ongoing controversies surrounding the case. “The Bishnoi community needs to understand that Salman was unaware of the blackbuck’s significance,” she said. Somi assured that Salman’s actions were not out of arrogance, as some might believe, but rather a genuine lack of knowledge.
She further reflected on the incident, stating that the situation has been blown out of proportion, with Salman now facing death threats and public criticism for something he never intended to disrespect.
Somi Ali’s Concerns for Salman
Despite distancing herself from Salman and his family, Somi made it clear that she harbors no ill will toward him. While Somi stated she hasn’t spoken to Salman since 2012, she expressed her concern for his safety, particularly in light of the threats from Lawrence Bishnoi’s gang. Somi emphasized that she is against violence and the death penalty, stating, “I don’t want anyone to be harmed, whether it’s Salman or someone I don’t know.”
Interestingly, Somi also revealed her desire to interview Lawrence Bishnoi. She expressed an interest in understanding the mindset behind the threats against Salman and hopes to have a conversation with the notorious gangster when she visits India in November.
Somi Ali’s Life After Salman
In her interview, Somi made it clear that she no longer holds any personal feelings for Salman or desires to be associated with him. “I don’t want anything from him, not his money, not his fame. I have my own life now,” Somi asserted. She stressed that her concern for Salman’s safety is purely from a humanitarian perspective, as she does not wish to see anyone harmed.
Somi also reiterated that she has no intention of rekindling any relationship with the actor or his family, stating, “I am not in touch with him, and I don’t plan to be.”
In a world where public perception and media narratives often complicate personal stories, Somi Ali’s statements offer a fresh perspective on the blackbuck incident and provide a glimpse into the complexity behind the headlines.