Filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap has once again made strong allegations against actor Salman Khan, reigniting a controversy that dates back to their work on Dabangg. In a recent interview with YouTube channel Bollywood Thikana, he described Salman as arrogant and manipulative.
According to Kashyap, his refusal to “serve” Salman Khan’s family led to repeated sabotage of his films. He alleged that trolling campaigns were launched, his projects were blocked, and the industry ecosystem was used to shut him out.
One of the most explosive claims was about Salman’s attitude towards women. Referring to the actor’s relationship with Sangeeta Bijlani, Kashyap alleged that Salman tried to control her and shows little respect for women in general.
He quoted, “Salman looks at women as a piece of meat,” and claimed that the actor only respects his mother. With others, his behaviour is allegedly cold, transactional, and even predatory.
Kashyap also criticised Salman’s public image, calling it a well-crafted mask for the cameras. He said the real Salman, as he experienced, was self-obsessed and disrespectful to colleagues.
The filmmaker also raised concerns about Bollywood’s star-driven system. He spoke about how the power of influential actors allows gatekeeping and exploitation, especially for those who choose not to fall in line.
Despite delivering a blockbuster like Dabangg, Kashyap claims his refusal to submit to the Salman Khan camp led to his sidelining in the industry. He said Salman’s late arrivals and disruptive behaviour often affected the production process.
While reactions to his claims are divided, Kashyap’s remarks bring attention to the darker side of the Bollywood star system. His most serious accusation that Salman objectifies women remains the most controversial of all.
