Salman Khan Legal Woes Threaten to Clip Wings as ‘Bigg Boss 8’ Prepares for Lift-Off

Salman Khan may be getting ready to spread his wings again for another season of reality TV hit “Bigg Boss,” but a new ruling on an old court case may put a serious crimp in his style.

In the last week, the Bollywood superstar has been featured in teasers and promos that have dispelled rumors he was not returning as host for Season 8 of the Indian version of “Big Brother.” Fans of the show have also been rewarded with an official launch date for Season 8: September 21.

Khan has, of course, been the focal point of the publicity, which has made good use of Salman’s natural charms as he strikes a dashing figure in an airline pilot’s uniform. The attire is tied to this season’s plane-based theme, which even finds the set constructed to resemble a jetliner, right down to the seats.

According to the International Business Times, Salman revealed that his experience as “Bigg Boss” host has been both taxing and rewarding.

“It takes a lot out of me. It also teaches me a lot, and helps me grow.”

But Khan’s growth as a celebrity beyond India may be stunted by a decision made on Friday by the country’s Supreme Court. As reported by Daily News & Analysis India, Friday’s ruling overturned a Rajasthan high court order that had stayed his conviction in a case involving the slaughter of protected wildlife.

In 2006, Khan was found guilty by a lower court of hunting and killing endangered blackbucks in 1998 while filming a movie in Rajasthan. He was sentenced to five years in prison. Not long after, the Rajasthan high court suspended Khan’s sentence, with the caveat that he couldn’t leave the country without the court’s permission.

Then, in November 2013, Salman made a submission for a stay of his conviction. He said the verdict would prevent him from getting a visa in the United Kingdom, where he’s supposed to film a new movie called Kick. Khan’s plea made the case that his growing international recognition is of benefit to India, which would be severely hindered if he was unable to travel. The high court eventually accepted Khan’s submission and granted the stay.

Unfortunately, now that the Supreme Court has struck down Salman’s stay, his growth as an international celebrity seems to be in jeopardy.

Do you think Salman Khan should be granted the right to travel internationally? Is his stardom as beneficial to India as he claims?