**‘Dabangg’ Director Labels Salman Khan ‘Criminal’; Says 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 accused actor-producer Salman Khan and his family of being “proven criminals.” In a recent interview with Bollywood Thikana, Kashyap reiterated these severe allegations and expressed his dissatisfaction with the way decisions were made during the production of *Dabangg*.
This latest development adds to a history of public allegations and disputes between Kashyap and Khan over their professional collaboration.
### Salman’s Image Back Then Was ‘Mawaali’
Kashyap revealed that at the time of signing *Dabangg* in 2008, Salman Khan had an unflattering public image. He described it as that of a “chhichhora” and “mawaali,” implying a rowdy or unruly character.
He said,
> “Salman’s image at the time was that of a chhichhora, someone who would harass women on the streets. This was around 2008 when I’d signed the film. He’d done *Tere Naam* then. He had a very unflattering image, that of a crazed lover or a roadside Romeo. He also had that towel dance.”
### Production Disputes: Lack of Creative Control
Kashyap alleged that he was not involved in key decisions during the making of *Dabangg*, including the casting of Sonakshi Sinha as the female lead.
He stated,
> “I wasn’t involved in the decision-making, I was told that decisions had been made. 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).”
### Criminal Allegations
Kashyap did not hold back, further intensifying his accusations against Salman Khan and his family.
He said,
> “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.”
### Family Feud: Anurag Kashyap’s Clash with Salman Khan
Interestingly, Abhinav Kashyap’s brother, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, also had a fallout with Salman Khan during the production of *Tere Naam*. Reports suggest Anurag was removed from that project after recommending that Khan grow chest hair for his role.
### Despite Controversies, *Dabangg*’s Success Remains Undeniable
Despite these controversies and behind-the-scenes conflicts, *Dabangg* released in 2010 to critical and commercial acclaim. The film went on to become a major franchise, spawning two sequels—neither of which involved Abhinav Kashyap.
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*Stay tuned for more updates and inside stories from Bollywood.*
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