**‘Dabangg’ Director Labels Salman Khan a ‘Criminal’; Says Actor Had an ‘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 serious allegations and expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision-making process during the production of *Dabangg*.

### Salman’s ‘Unflattering’ Image Back Then

Kashyap revealed that Salman Khan’s image at the time he signed *Dabangg* was far from glamorous. He described Khan as a “chhichhora” and “mawaali,” stating:

> “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.”

### Disputes Over Production Decisions

The director also alleged that he was not involved in key decisions for *Dabangg*, including casting the female lead Sonakshi Sinha. Kashyap expressed frustration at being sidelined:

> “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 Against Salman Khan and Family

Kashyap went further, making strong accusations against Khan and his family:

> “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 Extends to Anurag Kashyap

Interestingly, Abhinav Kashyap’s brother, Anurag Kashyap, also had a fallout with Salman Khan during the making of *Tere Naam*. Anurag was reportedly removed from the project after suggesting that Khan grow chest hair for the role.

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

Despite these controversies and behind-the-scenes disputes, *Dabangg* was released in 2010 to critical and commercial acclaim. The film went on to spawn two successful sequels, although Abhinav Kashyap was not involved in their production.

—

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