/>As Salman Khan languished in a cell in Jodhpur for the second day, his family and friends in the film industry got progressively anxious. But not for any professional reason.

As a question mark hovers over Salman's pending assignments, the general reaction is epitomized by David Dhawan. His overseas schedule for the Salman-Govinda–Katrina-Lara starrer Partner has been postponed.

"It's true we were supposed to leave for a schedule in Canada today. But now we've cancelled the trip to Cananda.

At this point I'm not even thinking about 'Partner'. My only thought is, my dear friend should return home safe and sound. Filmein to banti rahengi. A friend like Salman is hard to come by."

David laughs away the losses that the cancelled schedule will entail. "Do you really think I give a damn about the film right now? I've made 38 films, 8 of them with Salman. We are not just friends. We're brothers. Salman and Sohail are like my family.

You've no idea how much my wife and son are suffering at the thought of Salman in that cell. All we want is for Salman to be released. Who cares about the work? Who cares if my film gets postponed cancelled or canned?"

The director takes a deep breath. "We often wonder why this happens to Salman. He's such a loving giving person. He has helped so many people, including Sanjay Bhansali who was down-and-ou after Khamoshi. Without a thought, Salman agreed to do another picture for Sanjay.

This man thinks with his heart. That's why we all love him. You cannot imagine a more devoted brother than Sohail. And his sister Alvira? She's Salman's pillar of strength, almost like a mother-figure."

He sighs, "I was with the family yesterday. Salman's mom has taken this news very badly. His parents don't deserve this. I know Salman's father Salim Khan from long before I knew Salman. Now both are my friends.

I met Salim Saab for the first time when he was writing Mahesh Bhatt's Naam and I was editing the film. He's such a learned man...They're a cultured generous hospitable family. If you go to their house it's filled with guests at any given time.

Anyone is free to walk into the Khans' household...And Salman...so much charity work he does and so quietly. Why does the media only play up his enfant-terrible image? He not only gives generously he motivates his close friends like me to do be generous and giving."

Instead of Canada David now intends to fly to Jodhpur. "You know there will be serious law and order situation there soon. Crowds of people are collecting outside the jail...young girls, mothers, men ....they all love Salman. What an amazing fan following he has! Why does God do this to him ? We all want Salman's troubles to end."