Salman Khan is a 'gunda', not 'interested' in acting but he is more into the 'power of being a celebrity': Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap

Salman Khan is often referred to as the Bhaijaan of Bollywood. The actor is currently shooting for his much-anticipated film, Battle of Galwan. Known for grabbing headlines with his remarks, appearances, and gestures, Salman is once again in the spotlight, this time due to fresh allegations made by Dabangg director Abhinav Singh Kashyap. Calling the Khan family “vindictive,” the filmmaker accused them of sabotaging his career. The long-standing feud between Abhinav and Salman Khan has now resurfaced.

Abhinav Kashyap calls out Salman Khan and his family

In a recent chat, the Dabangg director made explosive claims against Salman and the Khan family. Abhinav described Salman as a “gunda” (goon) and accused the family of being “vindictive” and “controlling.” He also revealed that his brother, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, had warned him against working with the superstar even before Dabangg was made.


Well, this isn’t the first time Abhinav has spoken out against Salman Khan. In 2020, he took to Facebook to accuse the Khan brothers, Salman, Arbaaz, and Sohail, of sabotaging his career and creating a toxic atmosphere that affected his mental health. Now, five years later, he has made similar claims but with even stronger words.

Speaking to Screen in a candid conversation, Abhinav didn’t hold back. He said, “Salman Khan is not interested in acting anymore. He turns up on set like he’s doing everyone a favour. He’s more invested in being a powerful celebrity than being a good actor.” He went on to say that Salman Khan is a 'gunda' and he didn't know this before working with him on Dabangg.

Abhinav also alleged that the Khan family tries to dominate the Hindi film industry, using their influence to push out those who don’t agree with them. The director believed that Khan family is reason behind the star system and claimed that if someone doesn't follow their rules, they come after them.

Interestingly, Abhinav brought up the case of his brother Anurag Kashyap, claiming that he too was mistreated while working on Tere Naam, a 2003 film starring Salman. According to Abhinav, Anurag wrote the script for the film but left after Boney Kapoor "misbehaved" with him and later didn’t credit him for the work. Anurag had apparently told Abhinav before Dabangg that he wouldn’t be able to make a film with Salman, hinting that he would be bullied or manipulated.

Abhinav explained that the pattern repeated itself, both brothers were allegedly pushed out of projects and had their creative contributions sidelined.

About Salman Khan's upcoming project

Despite these serious allegations, Salman Khan has never responded publicly to Abhinav Kashyap’s claims. The actor has continued his career unaffected, and is currently shooting for his next big project, Battle of Galwan.

For the unversed, the film is being directed by Apoorva Lakhia and is based on the real-life events of June 15, 2020, when Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed in the Galwan Valley. The film also stars Chitrangada Singh in the lead role along side Salman Khan and the makers are yet to announce the official release date.

Besides this, Salman Khan is also hosting popular reality show Bigg Boss Season 19.