“When I used to walk out of the ring, after the shoot, I used to feel like a raped woman. I couldn’t walk straight. I would eat and then head right back to training. That couldn’t stop,” the 50-year-old actor told spotboye.com on Monday regarding the tenacious training sessions he endured to prepare for the wrestling scenes in his upcoming film Sultan.

The “raped woman” comment quickly ignited a hefty amount of controversy, including from India’s National Commission for Women (NCW), which demanded an explanation. NCW chief Lalitha Kumaramangalam reportedly said the comment was “irresponsible and careless”, adding that the commission would like to know “what drove [Khan] to make such a statement, as his comments smell of the patriarchal high headedness that prevails in our country”.

(Read also: 'Housefull 3' attempts to step into new-age Bollywood)

Netizens have also criticized the actor for making the comments.

Don't understand how this is #SalmanMisquoted this is clearly #SalmanKhan being insensitive! He MUST say sorry. pic.twitter.com/9elhm290SB

— Rashi Kakkar (@rashi_kakkar) June 21, 2016

I know Salman Khan has fans. But if his female fans are ok with his "I felt like a raped woman" then I've just lost faith in the world.

— Nehr-who? (@threeinchfooll) June 20, 2016

It is not the first time India has faced controversy surrounding dismissive attitudes toward violence against women. In 2012, the gang rape of Jyoti Singh, also known as Nirbhaya, led to demonstrations and intense discussions among politicians. However, a documentary about the case called India’s Daughter was banned in the country. 

Khan himself has been involved in quite a few altercations. He faced a five-year prison sentence last year for a 2002 hit-and-run case. 

Despite the actor’s silence, his father, screenwriter Salim Khan, tweeted: “I apologize on behalf of his family, his fans & his friends. Forgiveness is to pardon the unpardonable or it is no virtue at all.”

Nevertheless I apologise on behalf of his family his fans & his friends. Forgiveness is to pardon the unpardonable or it is no virtue at all

— Salim Khan (@luvsalimkhan) June 21, 2016

Khan is one of Bollywood’s highest paid stars. His films Bajrangi Bhaijaan and Prem Ratan Dhan Payo were highly successful. He is also well-known as the host of the Indian version of Big Brother.

Sultan is slated to premiere on July 6 in India, the US and other countries. (jam/kes)

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