DHAKA: Bollywood star Salman Khan’s latest release ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’ had a strong opening weekend over India’s Eid holiday weekend, proving that he has box-office drawing power despite a recent conviction in a hit-and-run accident case.

The film, co-produced by the actor’s banner Salman Khan Films and distributed by Eros International worldwide, crossed the 1 billion rupee (about $16 million) mark in its first three days of release after opening on Friday, the companies said Monday, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

Movies that reach this mark are seen as bone fide hits.

One of India’s most bankable stars, Khan, 49, was convicted and sentenced to five years in a 2002 hit-and-run case, in which the actor – driving under the influence – ran over and killed a homeless man and injured four others in Mumbai.

The Mumbai sessions court found him guilty of ‘culpable homicide not amounting to murder’.

Following his May 6 conviction, Khan was immediately given bail by the high court, with instructions to deposit his passport with authorities and seek permission for overseas travel.

Khan’s case is set for another appeal hearing in late July.

BDST: 1810 HRS, JULY 20, 2015
RR