Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap has shared how tough it was to make the hit film. He claimed that the behaviour of superstar Salman Khan on set was so harsh that he almost quit the project. In an interview with Bollywood Thikana, Abhinav recalled tense moments, harassment and heavy pressure that made the shoot very challenging.
Abhinav Kashyap Makes Shocking Claims Against Salman Khan
Abhinav said Salman wanted to take control of the film and install his brother Arbaaz Khan as director, even though all the dialogue scenes were already shot. He said, “These people harassed me to the point where I wanted to quit, because they wanted a reason to tell the media that I wasn’t up to the mark, and wanted to install Arbaaz Khan as the director. But that didn’t happen. The credit goes to my friend Sunil Vohra, who introduced me to Arbaaz.”
He also described a shocking moment that left him physically shaken. “One evening, Salman and I had an argument, and he spoke so rudely to me that I had to give it back. He accused me of siphoning money, called me a thief. I said that if I am so incompetent and a thief, why do you still have me? And he clearly told me – Toh jaa na, tujhe roka kisne hai (Go then, who’s stopping you)?’ I was so hurt, I fainted. I had a blackout for two or three minutes, and I sat down on the ground.”
After this incident, Abhinav avoided unnecessary contact with Salman and mostly stayed in his room. He even thought about quitting the film while shooting in Panchgani. But a friend convinced him to continue. Abhinav said, “He told me not to quit, because that’s what they want. ‘Tere saath Amole Gupte ho jayega.'” The friend was referring to the director of Taare Zameen Par, who was replaced during the project.
What He Said Earlier
Despite all these difficulties, Abhinav finished the film. He has said that he did not return for the sequels because of ongoing issues with Salman and his family. He also claimed that Rs 8 lakh was spent on VFX just to hide Salman’s dark circles, and that the actor often arrived late on set, keeping the team waiting.
Salman had indirectly addressed some of these claims during a recent episode of Bigg Boss 19. However, the controversy continues to draw attention as the director makes fresh allegations.
Meanwhile, Salman Khan is focusing on his next film titled Battle of Galwan. Abhinav also commented about it and said that a ‘criminal’ like him isn’t suitable to play a soldier.
