Desk Correspondent , Mumbai - Political analyst and former Bigg Boss contestant Tehseen Poonawalla has come out in strong defense of superstar Salman Khan following heavy social media criticism. The backlash began after the release of the teaser for the film Battle of Galwan, where some viewers took issue with Salman Khan’s portrayal, specifically pointing out a moment where the actor is seen smiling. Critics argued that the smile felt "insensitive" or "out of place" given the somber and heroic nature of the 2020 border clash between Indian and Chinese troops.

Poonawalla, known for his vocal opinions, took to social media to shut down the trolls, urging people not to judge a performance based on a split-second frame. He argued that a smile can represent many things, including the bravery, camaraderie, and high spirits of soldiers even in the face of danger. Supporting the actor's creative choice, Tehseen Poonawalla stated, "Tehseen Poonawalla defends Salman Khan's smile in Battle of Galwan teaser amid backlash," emphasizing that the focus should be on honoring the sacrifice of the martyrs rather than over-analyzing facial expressions in a promotional clip.

The film, which aims to pay tribute to the Indian Army's bravery in the Galwan Valley, has been one of the most anticipated projects in Bollywood. While some fans remain skeptical about the casting, others have joined Poonawalla in supporting the film's intent to bring a nationalistic story to the big screen. A film industry insider commented, "Cinema is an interpretation of reality, and Salman's smile might signify the indomitable spirit of our jawans." As the debate continues to trend on X (formerly Twitter), the makers of Battle of Galwan hope that the final film will answer all concerns and unite the audience in a sense of national pride.