Actress Deepika Padukone is not among them, Deepika, whose name was doing the rounds as Salman's likely leading lady in Ali Abbas Zafar's Sultan, said at a press conference promoting new film Piku, "Like I said it's subjudice. I don't think I can comment on that. At a personal level, I will personally tell him whatever I feel." (Also Read: Salman, Bollywood's Blockbuster Khan)
Her Piku director Shoojit Sircar agreed, saying, "It's very difficult because I was on in the court and I have not heard anybody. I don't know what kind of arguments has been given. So it's very difficult to give my point of views because I think point of views lies with the court of law."
Others have not been quite so restrained. Filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt told NDTV after the verdict, "It was a body blow. We were engulfed by despair and confusion, a feeling of overwhelming powerlessness. I get this this feeling that there is an end and there is an ending to that end and I don't think we have reached that end yet, because unless he exhausts all the legal possibilities available to him, there will be an element of hope. But at the same time, I want to categorically state that you can't talk yourself out of situations you work yourself into, and I think it is important for us as a fraternity and us as a nation to keep our moral compass intact and ask ourselves some questions no matter how painful they are. Do we allow our own to get away with deeds which are perceived to be reckless by the law? I don't think that is what we are saying, but let that punishment be proportional to the crime because there is a feeling that the punishment is too harsh."
Actress-politician Hema Malini, a close friend of the Khans, told news agency PTI that her sympathies were with the actor and his family but that she respected the court's verdict. "A law is a law. This is unfortunate. Salman's family are law-abiding citizens and they have already undergone 13 years of mental torture. His philanthropic work is well known and he is known to help the needy people," she said.
Actor-politicians Chiranjeevi and Raj Babbar spoke to NDTV after the verdict.
Chiranjeevi said, "I am really feeling bad that Salman, being my colleague, has been convicted and I still think he has scope to appeal to the higher courts. He has a chance to take bail and meanwhile he can do justice to his films."
Raj Babbar said, "I have empathy for whoever lost his life in this incident and respect the judiciary, but the verdict will impact not only me, but whoever who knows Salman."
Describing Mr Khan as "excellent human being," filmmaker Subhash Ghai told news agency IANS, "Now he can apply for bail and justice in higher courts. That is the beauty of judiciary system too. Let's wait and watch. I sincerely pray for him because I know him closely as a good person and a compassionate thinker.
Wajid Ali, one half of the composing duo Sajid-Wajid who are responsible for several Salman film soundtracks, told PTI that the actor was being penalized for being famous. "This is a very sad moment. I am shocked at the verdict. Salman bhai is a simple and real man. I hope he will take it in the right spirit. It was an accident which can happen with anyone on an unfortunate day. Salman's name has made this case popular. He paid the price of being a celebrity," he said.
Several of Salman Khan's colleagues expressed solidarity with the actor on Twitter, with many being careful to qualify their tweets saying they respected the judicial process.
I can only respond emotionally just now...my thoughts and prayers are with Salman and his family today....I wish them strength....
Karan Johar (@karanjohar) May 6, 2015Terrible news. Dnt knw wht to say except tht will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what. Hes a good man and no 1 can tk tht away frm him.
Sonakshi Sinha (@sonakshisinha) May 6, 2015@BeingSalmanKhan is a man who has always helped d underprivileged!A man who has done so much humanitarian work.Prayers for a fair judgement.
Bipasha Basu (@bipsluvurself) May 6, 2015It hurts when your own are punished, even if they are in the wrong. We love you and are standing by you
Alia Bhatt (@aliaa08) May 6, 2015Nothing else to say..Except stay strong @BeingSalmanKhanlike u always have..
Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) May 6, 2015Hurts to think of what could happen. We will always be with you. Hope the judge sees the beauty of a human being that Salman Khan is.
Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) May 6, 2015The Kapoors are with the Khans in their difficult time. Time is the biggest healer. God Bless!
rishi kapoor (@chintskap) May 6, 2015Cant wrap my head around what's happening,scary how fickle life is,hope n pray he emerges stronger like he has in the past @BeingSalmanKhan
Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) May 6, 2015@beingsalmankhan "U never realise how strong you are.Until being strong is the only choice you haveeMore strength n power 2him n his family
Sidharth Malhotra (@S1dharthM) May 6, 2015It doesn't matter what anyone or any court says he doesn't deserve this at any level...will stand by @BeingSalmanKhan no matter what...
- Arjun Kapoor (@arjunk26) May 6, 2015I won't comment on the courts judgement. But salman Bhai has the biggest heart and is the most helpful person in this industry
Varun SURESH Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) May 6, 2015My prayers are with @BeingSalmanKhan and his family who I know love this country and respect its judiciary.
Varun SURESH Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) May 6, 2015Sometimes your personally attached to a person so reactions are emmotional he is family for me IStandWithSalmanKhan
Varun SURESH Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) May 6, 2015Having known Salman personally worked with him in many movies,a wonderful human being.trying times for his family,Our prayers with them,
Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) May 6, 2015Ultimately, it was an accident and not intentional,hoping also the victims family at peace,and respecting judiciary's judgement..
Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) May 6, 2015, so hoping his sentence gets a bit lighter because for the past 12 years,with the case he has payed the price emotionally too.
Raveena Tandon (@TandonRaveena) May 6, 2015My previous tweet was NOT a comment on the proceedings of the verdict. It was an emotional confession of a grateful friend. SalmanKhan
Dia Mirza (@deespeak) May 6, 2015He is the man that saved my Mothers life. That I will never forget. SalmanKhan
Dia Mirza (@deespeak) May 6, 2015Prayers n strength 4 my friend @BeingSalmanKhan n his family. Harsh sentencing doesn't mean justice. Must appeal. Deeply saddened.
sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) May 6, 2015There is an enormous difference between being a criminal and being human. True justice is then served. Keep d faith @BeingSalmanKhan
sushmita sen (@thesushmitasen) May 6, 2015It would be inappropriate to comment on the court's decision but my thoughts and prayers are with Salman bhai and his family.
soha ali khan (@sakpataudi) May 6, 2015Not commenting on courts verdict- but my heart goes out 2 @BeingSalmanKhan :large hearted 1 of d finest people I hv met in this industry.
- Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) May 6, 2015Let the law take its course. And let his fans be his force. Let the judgment be the difference between the two. And we know who may win.
Ayushmann Khurrana (@ayushmannk) May 6, 2015Salman khan n all of us have to respect court verdict but we all know that salman is excellent as human who can't fight with destiny
Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) May 6, 2015I have experienced d palpitations we go thru on d day of judgement. U really connect to god for justice as we all pray for salman khan now
Subhash Ghai (@SubhashGhai1) May 6, 2015Heart broken at the verdict against @BeingSalmanKhan.Prayers & strength to him his wonderful family.
kunal kohli (@kunalkohli) May 6, 2015I FULLY SUPPORT @BeingSalmanKhan... upset on hearing the verdict.He is a strong man.with everyone love for him he will See this through.
- Neil Nitin Mukesh (@NeilNMukesh) May 6, 2015Actress Preity Zinta, who has co-starred with Salman in films like Har Dil Jo Pyaar Karega and Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, was among the first of the actor's friends to visit his home after the verdict was announced.
She wrote on Twitter later
Shattered after hearing the verdict. Hope the court sees @BeingSalmanKhan has helped saved hundreds of people over the years. #beinghuman Preity zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 6, 2015
