‘Dabangg’ director labels Salman ‘criminal’; says actor had ‘unflattering image’

**‘Dabangg’ Director Labels Salman Khan a ‘Criminal’; Reveals Actor Had ‘Unflattering Image’**

*By Apoorva Rastogi | Sep 18, 2025, 12:58 PM*

Filmmaker Abhinav Kashyap, who made his Bollywood debut with the blockbuster *Dabangg*, has once again leveled serious allegations against actor-producer Salman Khan and his family, calling them “proven criminals.” In a recent interview with Bollywood Thikana, Kashyap reiterated his accusations and expressed dissatisfaction over the way decisions were handled during the production of *Dabangg*.

### Salman Khan’s Image at the Time of *Dabangg*

Kashyap claimed that when he signed on for *Dabangg* around 2008, Salman Khan had a notably poor public image. He described Salman as “chhichhora” and “mawaali” — terms suggesting a ruffian-like, flirtatious persona. According to Kashyap, Salman was seen as someone who would harass women on the streets.

“At the time, Salman’s image was that of a crazed lover or a roadside Romeo,” Kashyap said. “He had just done *Tere Naam*, and he was known for his infamous towel dance. It was a very unflattering image.”

### Production Conflicts and Creative Control

Abhinav Kashyap alleged that he was sidelined from key creative decisions on *Dabangg*, including casting the female lead. “I wasn’t involved in the decision-making. I was told that decisions had already been made,” he shared.

He went on to criticize Khan’s behavior on set, calling him a “gunda” (goon). “I was not aware of this before *Dabangg*. Salman is ill-mannered; he is a bad person,” Kashyap stated bluntly.

### Criminal Allegations Against Salman Khan and His Family

Kashyap did not hold back when commenting on Salman Khan and his family, saying, “My opinion on Salman Khan and his family stands. They are not normal human beings. They are proven criminals. He’s out on bail. He’s a convicted criminal, out on bail. A criminal is a criminal. There are things that even I know.”

These remarks come amid ongoing controversies surrounding the actor’s legal issues over the years.

### Family Fallout: Anurag Kashyap vs Salman Khan

Adding context to the ongoing feud, Abhinav’s brother, renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, also had a fallout with Salman Khan. Anurag was reportedly removed from *Tere Naam* after suggesting that Khan grow chest hair for the role, highlighting long-standing tensions between the families.

### Despite Controversies, *Dabangg*’s Success

Despite these public disagreements and behind-the-scenes disputes, *Dabangg* was released in 2010 to critical and commercial success. The film went on to become a major franchise, spawning two sequels—both made without Abhinav Kashyap’s involvement.

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*Stay tuned for more updates from Bollywood.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/entertainment/dabangg-director-calls-salman-khan-a-proven-criminal/story

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