This isn’t the first time he’s doing it. Superstar Salman Khan is using his clout to repeatedly promote his brother-in-law Ayush Sharma (Khan’s younger sister Arpita’s husband) as a leading man.

In 2018, Ayush was launched by Salman Khan in Loveratri which was summarily rejected by the audience. We thought that was the end of Mr Sharma’s Bollywood aspirations. But when you have Salman Khan as your brother-in-law you get as many chances to be a star as the number of stars in the sky.

Earlier this month there was an announcement of Ayush Sharma’s re-launch in a film to be directed by Abhiraj Minawala who directed Mr Sharma’s debut Loveratri. This time Salman will make a special appearance alongside his brother-in-law to ensure audiences’ participation. Now comes the news that Ayush will be part of Salman’s next project Kabhi Eid Kabhi Diwali.

So, Salman is determined to make a star of his brother-in-law, come what may. This obstinacy has not gone down well with his fans who are warning him against the pitfalls of nepotism on social media.

Of course, Bhai doesn’t care.

A very close friend of Salman speaks up, “Salman is Salman. What Bhai wants Bhai gets. And he wants to make a star of his brother-in-law. He will continue trying until he succeeds or until Ayush opts out of the film industry.”

The friend points out that it was Salman Khan’s insistence on pushing his protégée that cost him Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Inshallah.

“Salman wanted his protégée, Daisy Shah, for a dance number. Bhansali refused and closed down the project,” says the source.

Since Ayush Sharma is being promoted only through Salman Khan’s home productions there is no danger of projects being aborted. Salman will continue making films for his relatives, be they his brothers or brother-in-law. And Kangana Ranaut and her sister are free to have a good laugh over the virus of nepotism prevalent in Bollywood.