Salman Khan's close B-Town friends speak up on his guilty verdict

Bipasha Basu, Govinda, Wajid Ali

Govinda, actor

Salman has helped me a lot and I pray to god that he comes out of these difficult times at the earliest. I cannot speak much on the technicalities of the verdict, but I am definitely shocked and speechless.

Also read: Salman Khan guilty! Bollywood reacts to 2002 hit-and-run verdict

Bipasha Basu, actress

A five-year jail term is a bit too harsh and maybe he is being set out as an example that no one is above the law. In similar cases, the convicted have been awarded sentences of three years or less. So it surely saddens me. We have seen this man do a great deal of humanitarian work. I believe that the good he has been doing for society should have been taken into greater consideration while deciding the quantum of his sentence.

Also read: 2002 hit-and-run verdict: Salman Khan proven guilty of all charges

Raveena Tandon, actress

Having known Salman personally and worked with him in many movies, I can say he is a wonderful human being. These are trying times for his family. Our prayers are with them. Ultimately, it was an accident and not intentional, so I hope he gets a lesser sentence from the High Court because in the past 12 years with the court hearings and all, he has paid a price emotionally too.

Also read: Here's why Salman Khan is controversy's favourite child in Bollywood

Subhash Ghai, filmmaker

We respect the court verdict, but our entire fraternity knows that Salman is an excellent human being and has done extraordinary community service too. Now he can appeal for bail and justice in higher courts. I sincerely pray for him as I know him closely as a good person with a compassionate heart.

Photos: Shah Rukh Khan and other Bollywood celebs visit Salman

Wajid Ali, musician

I am feeling low and sad. I am just thinking about how murderers are out on bail and Salman is handed out a five-year sentence. An accident should be treated as an accident. My mom's ill and I am by her side. I am watching all the news and praying. No one can contradict what the judge says, but I think the sentence is too harsh. We respect the law, but I hope he gets bail soon.

Ashmit Patel, actor

These are the times when you don't know what to say. My heart goes out to his family and I hope he gets bail as soon as possible. I went through a bad time last year and most people turned away from me, but this man stood by me.

Also read: How deeply will Bollywood be affected if Salman Khan ends up in jail?

Krishika Lulla, producer

Our prayers are with him and his family. At such times Salman's well being is more important to us. Logistic of Bajrangi Bhaijaan will be discuss later with his team.