Salman Khan vs Abhinav Kashyap: 'Kaunsa career...' asks actor after 'Dabangg' director called him 'gunda'

Bollywood star Salman Khan has reacted to long-standing allegations that he has used his influence in the film industry to damage the careers of others. The remarks came during the latest Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 19, where he addressed the issue in front of the audience.

Former contestant Shehnaaz Gill joined him on stage and thanked him for supporting her career, pointing out that he had given breaks to many actors. In response, Khan disagreed, saying it was not in his power to make or break anyone’s future. According to him, it is only God who shapes careers, not individuals like him.

Salman’s Response to Career Sabotage Claims

Without directly naming anyone, Khan also dismissed the narrative that he has ruined careers. He remarked that while accusations have often been directed at him, he has never deliberately harmed anyone’s professional journey. The actor even joked that if he were capable of destroying a career, he would end up damaging his own first.



Reflecting on his own journey, Khan admitted that at times he has been complacent, letting things slip, but he eventually works hard to regain control. His comments appeared to counter recent criticism, including accusations from filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap.

Abhinav Kashyap’s Accusations Resurface

Earlier, in an interview with Screen, director Abhinav Kashyap, who helmed Dabangg (2010), claimed that Salman Khan and his family were responsible for derailing his career. Kashyap alleged that the Khans hold significant power in the industry and use it vindictively against those who disagree with them. He went further to call Salman a “gunda,” accusing him of prioritising stardom over acting and of showing little interest in his craft over the past two decades.

Kashyap also stated that his brother, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, was removed from Tere Naam (2003) after suggesting that Salman grow chest hair for the role. The film was later directed by the late Satish Kaushik. Following Dabangg’s success, Abhinav was dropped from the sequel, which was directed by Arbaaz Khan in 2012, while Prabhu Deva took charge of the third installment in 2019.

Past Controversies Linked to Salman

The debate around Salman’s influence in Bollywood has surfaced multiple times in the past. His fallout with actor Vivek Oberoi in the early 2000s has often been cited as a turning point that negatively affected Oberoi’s career. Despite such controversies, Salman has also been credited with giving opportunities to newcomers such as Sonakshi Sinha, Daisy Shah, Zarine Khan, Sneha Ullal, and Aayush Sharma.