The High Court in Mumbai has suspended actor Salman Khan’s prison sentence of five years while he appeals his conviction.

The 49-year-old actor who has acted in more than 80 movies was sentenced to five years in prison on Wednesday for running over five men sleeping on a Mumbai pavement, and killing one of them in 2002.

He was free on two days' bail, and many had expected him to be taken into custody yesterday.

However, the High Court will allow him to remain free until his appeal hearing in July.

Khan will not be allowed to leave the country during the time without permission.

According to trade analysts, the Bollywood industry would stand to lose more than $31m if the actor’s sentence is upheld by the Court.

By Reginald Chandar