Salman Khan’s comparison has ignited public outrage in India, where sexual violence against women is widespread.
On Tuesday, Salim Khan apologised for his son’s comments and appealed to the public to forgive him.
“To err is human to forgive divine,” Salim Khan – a veteran actor and screenwriter – wrote on Twitter.
“Nevertheless I apologise on behalf of his family his fans & his friends. Forgiveness is to pardon the unpardonable or it is no virtue at all.”
He added: “Undoubtedly what Salman said is wrong.”
Khan made the rape comment during media interviews to promote his new film “Sultan” in which he plays a professional wrestler.
“It is the most difficult thing,” the 50-year-old actor told reporters in Mumbai on Saturday when questioned about his training schedule.
“When I used to walk out of that ring, it used to be like a raped woman walking out.”
The National Commission for Women, a government-run body for women’s rights, has called for an apology.
“It’s not only a wrong statement, it’s very irresponsible and callous for a man whose fame and wealth are based on the adoration of his female fans,” said Commission chief Lalitha Kumaramangalam.
