Decoding Salman Khan’s presence at an RSS event

Bollywood superstar Salman Khan’s presence at an RSS centenary event in Mumbai on Saturday not only sparked widespread interest but also triggered a fierce political debate. While peers such as Akshay Kumar were also present, Khan, as a Muslim attending an event organised by a right-wing Hindu organisation, drew the maximum attention. Khan sat attentively as RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat lauded him as a youth icon, praising the way students emulate his style and highlighting the Bollywood superstar’s influence.

The controversy erupted when Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut questioned whether Khan’s participation was driven by “coercion or conviction”. Accusing the RSS of anti-Muslim politics, Raut claimed the organisation was using Khan—a prominent Muslim figure—for optics, either to mask ideological biases or boost attendance. He also questioned whether the move represented genuine outreach or a desperate attempt to remain relevant amid shifting political winds.

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Amid intense social media speculation and trolling, critics viewed it as an attempt to project Muslim inclusion, boost crowds, or counter the RSS’s Hindu nationalist image. Supporters, meanwhile, described it as a “sincere attempt at dialogue”. Khan remained silent, but the episode underscored India’s deepening cultural and political divides, amplifying debates around nationalism, identity, and secularism.

According to those familiar with the Sangh’s functioning, the aim of the event was to “reach out and involve those unfamiliar with RSS activities”. “Those familiar with the Sangh already understand its functioning and goals. The aim is to familiarise those who are not and broaden outreach, especially during the milestone year. Inviting film stars was part of that effort,” they said.

“Khan’s attendance was part of a high-profile public lecture series marking the organisation’s 100-year journey, featuring prominent and diverse figures such as film stars, scientists, and diplomats to encourage broader national dialogue on important issues. The idea was to present an authentic picture of the Sangh to the public while dispelling long-standing misconceptions.”

Led by Bhagwat, the series focuses on explaining the Sangh’s journey and its vision for nation-building, reaching out to diverse social segments and the international community to foster a sense of “belongingness”, and promoting social harmony and women’s leadership as pillars of India’s progress.

The RSS has also been pursuing structured engagement with Muslim communities for years, focusing on dialogue rather than proselytisation to reduce communal tensions through affiliates such as the Muslim Rashtriya Manch.