We want Salman Khan's troubles to end, says David Dhawan ...

By Subhash K. Jha, Indo-Asian News Service

Mumbai, April 14 (IANS) Director David

Dhawan was forced to postpone the Canada schedule of his film "Partner"

because of Salman Khan being jailed for three days in Jodhpur for

killing a chinkara deer. But David isn't really bothered about it and

says he is only thinking of Salman's welfare.

"It's true we were supposed to leave for a schedule in Canada on

April 12. We have cancelled the trip to Canada. At this point I am not

even thinking about 'Partner'. My only thought is my dear friend should

return home safe and sound. A friend like Salman is hard to come by,"

David told IANS.

He laughed away the losses the cancelled schedule would entail. The

film also stars Govinda, Katrina Kaif and Lara Dutta.

"Do you really think I give a damn about the film right now? I have

made 38 films, eight of them with Salman. We are not just friends. We

are brothers. Salman and Sohail (Khan) are like my family.

"You have no idea how much my wife and son suffered at the thought

of Salman in that cell. All we wanted is for Salman to be released. Who

cares about the work? Who cares if my film gets postponed cancelled or

canned?"

The director, who travelled to Jodhpur to be with his friend, is

perturbed by the tragedies in Salman's life. The actor, who has been

sentenced to five years' imprisonment for killing a chinkara, was

granted bail by the district court in Jodhpur Thursday.

"We often wonder why this happens to Salman. He is such a loving and

giving person. He has helped so many people, including Sanjay (Leela)

Bhansali who was down and out after 'Khamoshi'. Without a thought,

Salman agreed to do another picture for Sanjay. This man thinks with

his heart. That's why we all love him.

"You cannot imagine a more devoted brother than Sohail and his

sister Alvira! She is Salman's pillar of strength, almost like a mother

figure."

He sighed, "I was with the family. His mom has taken this news very

badly. His parents don't deserve this. I have known Salman's father

Salim Khan from long before I knew Salman. Now both are my friends. I

met Salim saab for the first time when he was writing Mahesh Bhatt's

'Naam' and I was editing the film.

"He's such a learned man... They are a cultured generous hospitable

family. If you go to their house it's filled with guests at any given

time. Anyone is free to walk into the Khan household... and Salman...

so much charity work he does and so quietly.

"Why does the media only play up his enfant terrible image? He not

only gives generously, he motivates his close friends like me to do be

generous and giving."

"Young girls, mothers, men... they all love Salman. What an amazing

fan following he has! Why does god do this to him? We all want Salman's

troubles to end."