On February 7, a significant event was held in Mumbai to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), with Bollywood actor Salman Khan in attendance. This participation sparked controversy, especially among political figures such as Uddhav Thackeray, who questioned Khan's involvement given the RSS's controversial reputation in Indian politics. Despite the backlash, Eknath Shinde defended Khan, asserting that the actor honored traditional Indian values, as evidenced by his family's devotion to Ganapati Bappa, a Hindu deity.

The event, which drew considerable public and media attention, illustrates the intricate relationship between politics and celebrity in India. Salman Khan, one of the most prominent figures in the film industry, attending an RSS event symbolizes a blending of entertainment and political spheres, raising questions about the implications for public figures in political discourse. The involvement of notable politicians like Thackeray, who has historically been opposed to the RSS, adds further complexity to the narrative, highlighting how entertainment can intersect with serious political debates.

This incident not only reflects the ongoing tensions between different political factions within India but also underscores the cultural significance of figures like Khan, whose actions can influence public perception and social dynamics. The defense of Khan by Shinde showcases an attempt to reconcile Bollywood's influence with traditional Indian values in the eyes of the public, positioning Salman Khan as a bridge between contemporary celebrity culture and age-old cultural practices.