“I’m a Colonel, Bhaiya!” Salman Khan Responds to Trolls Mocking His Expressions in ‘Battle of Galwan’

Mumbai: Actor Salman Khan has delivered a sharp response to critics who mocked his expressions in the film ‘Battle of Galwan’, calling them romantic. Salman clarified that he plays a colonel, and his look is meant to inspire and motivate his soldiers, not convey romance.

Responding to the Trolling
During an Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) match, Salman was asked to recreate the iconic scene from the film. While performing, he addressed the criticism, saying:
“Now people will understand this isn’t a romantic look. I’m a colonel, Bhaiya. This is a colonel’s look—it shows how to inspire your team, your soldiers. I could give the same look to them too, but it would be meaningless. That look has a purpose.”

The trolling began when the teaser of ‘Battle of Galwan’ was released. In one scene, Salman is seen holding a thick piece of wood, standing with his team on the battlefield, watching Chinese soldiers charge with weapons. Social media users commented that his gaze appeared romantic, even in a war scene, instead of showing aggression and determination.

Salman’s Career of Trolling
This isn’t the first time Salman has faced criticism for his acting or expressions. From being paired with actresses half his age to comments about being lazy on set, he has often been in the public eye for scrutiny. In 2025, for the film ‘Sikandar’, his performance with Rashmika Mandanna was widely mocked, with critics calling it one of his career’s weakest performances. Salman, however, has frequently joked about himself, acknowledging that acting isn’t his strong suit.

About ‘Battle of Galwan’
The film is based on the violent clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020 between Indian and Chinese soldiers. The battle, fought without firearms on 15 June 2020, lasted until midnight, with soldiers using rocks, metal rods, and barbed wires. Colonel B. Santosh Babu and 20 other Indian soldiers were martyred. The operation is also known as ‘Operation Snow Leopard’.

Salman’s Role
Salman portrays Colonel B. Santosh Babu, the commanding officer of the 16 Bihar Regiment, who was posthumously awarded the Mahavir Chakra, India’s second-highest military honor. The film also stars Chitrangada Singh, is directed by Apoorv Lakhiya, and is produced by Salman Khan. ‘Battle of Galwan’ is scheduled for release on 17 April 2026.