Abhinav Kashyap Slams Salman Khan: ‘A Criminal Like Him Playing a Soldier?'

The decades-old tension between Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has flared up once again, making headlines across the industry. Kashyap has openly called Salman a “criminal” and questioned his credibility to portray a soldier in the upcoming Battle of Galwan . The controversy stems from Kashyap’s long-standing claims that Salman hijacked Dabangg and created a toxic work environment, ultimately forcing the director to step away from the sequel.

In a candid interview shared by Bollywood Thikana, Abhinav didn’t hold back his criticism. “One hypothetical situation could be that Salman orders a hit on me," he said. He went on, “He is not saying anything while I am criticising him, but his sycophants seem to have a problem with it. This man has destroyed his life to an extent that it is beyond saving now." On Salman’s upcoming film, he added, “A criminal like him will play a soldier?”

Kashyap further opened up about the betrayal he felt during their fallout. “He begged me for a film, and I gave him a chance with Dabangg, but he stabbed me in the back. Ye jo in logon ne zeher dala hai na mere andar, ye zeher ki ulti kar raha hu main. (I’m spitting whatever venom they’ve filled me up with.),” he said, taking aim at what he calls Salman’s ‘chapri’ or tacky style. He also questioned why someone like Salman could be cast as a Veer Senani, expressing disbelief at the superstar’s choice of roles despite their shared history.

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Video Credit: Bollywood Thikana

Salman Khan responded subtly during a recent Bigg Boss episode, without naming Abhinav directly. He remarked, “There is one more Dabangg insaan who has taken a dig at Aamir Khan also, along with me… kaam mila kya bhai?” He emphasized that badmouthing others harms oneself: “The only thing I feel bad about is that you destroyed yourself… If someone gives you advice to think about what you say, then listen to them. I want to see you grow. Talented man, he writes well, but he shouldn’t do this the wrong way.”

The clash highlights the lingering tensions behind one of Bollywood’s most famous collaborations, reminding audiences that glittering screens sometimes hide deeper conflicts.