Controversy's favourite child Salman Khan is once again in trouble, as he gets convicted in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case by Jodhpur Court. While, all his co-stars Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre and Neelam - have been acquitted. He has been imprisoned for 5 years and Rs 10,000 fine. Reportedly, there are crores on money that are riding on this superstar. Along with all the movies and shows, there are brand endorsements which are at stake now.

According to Forbes India Celebrity 100 list, Salman Khan topped the 2017 charts with Rs 232.83 crore revenue earnings. Last year, he minted Rs 270.33 crore. This year, Salman Khan’s total earnings may have come down from the previous year by about Rs 37 crore but the actor is still ahead of other celebrities. Second in the list is actor Shah Rukh Khan, who is way behind with Rs 170.50 crore. However, as per Duff & Phelps report, the brand value of Salman Khan declined by approximately 33 percent in 2017 primarily due to a downward revision of the estimated endorsement fees. Reportedly, he doesn't have a beeline of brands in his endorsement roaster, some of them includes, Dixcy Scott, Yellow Diamond, Astral Pipe, CP PLus, Emami Healthy & Tasty Oil, Being Human, Relaxo, Rotomac and Parle Agro Appy Fizz, Splash and others.

As spoken exclusively to LatestLY, Saurabh Uboweja, International Brand Expert and CEO Brands of Desire said, "A criminal becomes once he is convicted. While, the case has been on for close to two decades now, it is only now that Salman has been finally convicted. Given that the case is as famous as Salman, and most of his fans won't be surprised with the outcome (he has a few other cases to defend), there may not be much decline in his brand equity though he may not find support from brands who would like to stay away from the star. Additionally, he may not get enough blockbuster projects to work on for some time given the uncertainly involved with his conviction and subsequent punishment."

Brands that Have Replaced Him:  

Coca-Cola didn’t renew its contract for Thums Up with Salman Khan for the first time since 2012 and signed on Ranveer Singh instead, because of his better connect with the youth. Besides this, Khan was earlier replaced as brand endorser of Revital by former Indian skipper MS Dhoni. His several controversial statements, like- comparing his gruelling shooting schedule for Sultan to a raped woman or casually using the word 'Bhangi' to describe his dancing style, he is always a magnet to controversies.

However, Salman's immense fan following have always helped him emerge as a hero. Keeping in mind, the recent judgement, it will be interesting to see, if brands will now think twice before choosing him as the face of their brands.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 05, 2018 12:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).