Bollywood welcomes verdict

Bollywood heaved a collective sigh of relief as news broke of actor Salman Khan’s acquittal.

Mr. Khan has been one of the film industry’s most reliable draws in recent years, and many fortunes ride on the back of his career.

Industry sources told

The Hindu that the actor had kept film projects at bay over the recent past, as he was waiting for the verdict.

Work on at least four films is set to start soon. Two weeks ago, Yash Raj Films announced

Sultan , to be directed by Ali Abbas Zafar. Also likely to roll soon are Kick 2 , No Entry 2 , and the as-yet-untitled project by Mr. Khan’s brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri’s project.

Another Rs. 60–80 crore rides on the Colors reality show, ‘Bigg Boss’, in which Mr. Khan stars.

Director Kabir Khan, said: “I’m out of the country. All I can say is that I’m happy for him.”

“I am very happy for Salman, his family, his mother and Salimsaheb,” said film-maker Anil Sharma.

Film-maker Madhur Bhandarkar said: “It’s a big relief, especially for Salman, his family and his fans.”

Subhash Ghai said: “We admit that a tragedy happened because of an accident but it wasn’t intentional.”

“I think it’s huge news for him, his family and fans,” said film-maker Ashok Pandit.