Yeah, I'd imagine so. I can't claim to know much about him, other than he's got a great physique and a commanding presence, although his Wikipedia page lists some pretty serious controversies.
He was convicted of culpable homicide for driving his car into a bakery while drunk, killing a person that was sleeping on the ground outside and injuring 3 more. Jailed and then released on bail.
He was also convicted of poaching an endangered species of antelope and using firearms with an expired license. After being jailed and released on bail, he was later acquitted by a higher court due to insufficient evidence.
After the Pakistani terrorist attacks in Mumbai, he made some very controversial comments saying that the attacks were not the fault of Pakistan, and accusing Indian security forces of failing to do their job.
He has also publicly supported Yakub Memon, perpetrator of the deadly 1993 Mumbai bombings, and stated that it's his brother, Tiger Memon, who should be hanged.
Most Indian citizens that I met believe that he is very much affiliated with the mafia, and that he essentially owes his superstardom to them.
On the flip side, he has a charity that provides aid for underprivileged children, paid US$62,000 to release about 400 prisoners who had completed their terms but didn't have enough money to pay the legal fees, and had the profits from his highest-grossing film distributed amongst the farmers of India.
Whatever you make of all that, one thing is for sure: he's a very colourful character!
I have watched one of his movies, Sultan, and it's enjoyable. Although sadly plagued with the kind of overtly feel-good, all's well that ends well kind of ending that ruins most Hollywood films.
I better get writing on the continuation! I'm really having to dig deep for a lot of these stories. Even though I write in the present tense, this was 6 months ago. Consider the finer details as approximations rather than gospel.
Thanks for the info. Definitely an interesting character.
Totally understand about approximating the details. I may post a few of my own experiences here soon, and after 5 years the details will definitely be approximate! Luckily I kept a sort of email-based blog (to family and friends) that I can refer back to to get at least some of them right.