Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has addressed the online debate about the 31-year age gap between him and his co-star Rashmika Mandanna in their upcoming film Sikandar.

During the trailer launch event in Mumbai, Salman Khan responded to trolls questioning his on-screen pairing with Rashmika. When the event’s host complimented him on his appearance, Salman humorously remarked, "At times, things get so messed up that I don’t sleep for six to seven nights. Then, social media people start chasing me, so I have to show them that I’m still here.”

Addressing the criticism about the age gap, he added, "They say there’s a 31-year difference between me and the heroine. But if the heroine has no problem, and even her father has no issue, why do you have a problem, brother?”

His response left the audience in splits, including Rashmika herself. Taking the joke further, Salman added, "When she gets married and has a daughter, I will work with her daughter too. Her mother’s permission will be sorted."

Directed by AR Murugadoss, Sikandar is an action-packed entertainer featuring Salman Khan in the lead role, with Rashmika Mandanna as his love interest. The film also stars Kajal Aggarwal, Anjini Dhawan, Prateik Babbar, Sharman Joshi, and veteran actor Sathyaraj.

Produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment, Sikandar is set to hit theatres on 30 March 2025, coinciding with Eid-ul-Fitr.