Filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap is back in the headlines after launching a fresh attack on Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. In an interview, he called the superstar “a gunda and a badtameez insaan.” The fiery
comments come just days before the 15th anniversary of Dabangg in 2025, the blockbuster action drama directed by Kashyap and starring Salman.
Abhinav’s strained relationship with Salman has been a topic of discussion ever since the film’s release in 2010. Despite the massive commercial success of Dabangg, their reported creative differences made headlines and Kashyap chose not to return for the sequel. His latest remarks once again have the Internet abuzz, putting the spotlight back on the director.
Who Is Abhinav Kashyap
Born in Obra, Uttar Pradesh, Kashyap grew up in a family deeply connected to cinema. He is the younger brother of acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap and Anubhuti Kashyap. After completing his schooling in Gwalior, Abhinav earned a degree in English Honours from Hansraj College, Delhi University in 1995.
Kashyap began his career as a co-writer for Jung in 2000. Later, he worked as an assistant to legendary filmmaker Mani Ratnam on Yuva and also wrote dialogues for critically acclaimed films like Manorama Six Feet Under and 13B.
In 2010, Kashyap made his directorial debut with Dabangg, which became a box-office sensation. The film starred Salman Khan and introduced Sonakshi Sinha to the industry. Kashyap co-wrote the film with Dilip Shukla, earning praise for its masala storytelling. However, his second directorial, Besharam, starring Ranbir Kapoor and Pallavi Sharda, was a critical and commercial failure.
Abhinav Kashyap’s Feud With Salman Khan
In 2020, Abhinav Kashyap, in a Facebook post, accused the actor and his brothers, Arbaaz Khan and Sohail Khan as well as father-veteran screenwriter Salim Khan, of sabotaging his career. In response, Arbaaz Khan threatened to take legal action against the filmmaker.
Salim Khan, when asked to react to the director’s allegations, called Abhinav “a crazy person”. “He shouldn’t be given so much importance. I have completed over 50 years in the film industry and everyone knows my work. Nothing is hidden from anyone,” he said.
Latest Controversy
In a recent interview with SCREEN, Abhinav accused Salman Khan of unprofessionalism. He said, “Salman is never involved. He is not even interested in acting, and he hasn’t been for the last 25 years. He does a favour by turning up to work.”
Further calling out for his misbehaviour, he added, “He is a gunda (goon). I was not aware of this before Dabangg. Salman badtameez hai, ganda insaan hai (Salman is ill-mannered, he is a bad person).”
During the same chat, Abhinav also revealed that his brother Anurag Kashyap faced a similar struggle while working on Tere Naam.
