Filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap, who directed the blockbuster Dabangg (2010), has reignited controversy with claims that Salman Khan disrespected the late actor Om Puri and influenced the final cut of the film. In a recent interview, Kashyap alleged that tensions on set escalated after Salman refused to film a scene where his character, Chulbul Pandey, was supposed to touch Om Puri’s feet.
According to Kashyap, Salman’s refusal led to multiple script rewrites and on-set friction. “Om Puri was upset about the repeated changes,” Kashyap said, recalling that the veteran actor confronted Salman, asking, “Why do you eat up everyone else’s role?” The director claimed Salman responded harshly, telling Puri to leave the film if he disagreed.
Despite the dispute, Om Puri continued shooting out of respect for Kashyap, who was making his directorial debut.
Influence Over Editing and Casting
Kashyap further alleged that Salman Khan’s influence extended to the final editing of Dabangg, leading to reduced screen time for other actors. He claimed Mahie Gill’s role was drastically shortened in the final cut, impacting her career. “They treated her unfairly and ruined her career,” he said.
The director also mentioned that Arbaaz Khan’s role was modified but settled privately within the family. Kashyap revealed that the film’s runtime was cut from 2 hours and 45 minutes to 2 hours and 20 minutes — a move that allegedly favored Salman’s scenes over others.
Mahie Gill’s Lost Opportunity
Abhinav Kashyap said Mahie Gill was initially offered the lead role of Rajjo — which eventually went to Sonakshi Sinha — but later accepted a smaller role. He expressed regret that production decisions and edits made under pressure from Salman altered the film’s balance and hurt his co-stars’ prospects.
The Abhinav Kashyap Salman Khan controversy has reignited online debates about power dynamics in Bollywood and the treatment of actors behind the scenes. Fans are now awaiting Salman Khan’s response, as he continues filming for his upcoming project, Battle of Galwan.
