In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through Bollywood, Abhinav Kashyap, the director of the blockbuster film Dabangg, has made explosive allegations about superstar Salman Khan's behavior towards veteran actor Om Puri during the film's production.
The director claims that during a crucial scene requiring Salman Khan to touch Om Puri's feet as part of the script, the superstar outright refused to perform the gesture of respect towards the legendary actor. This incident allegedly created significant tension on set and revealed deeper issues about hierarchy and respect within the film industry.
The Behind-the-Scenes Clash
According to Kashyap's detailed account, the confrontation occurred during the filming of a pivotal emotional scene where Salman's character Chulbul Pandey was supposed to show reverence to Om Puri's character. The director described how the refusal created an awkward atmosphere on set, forcing last-minute changes to the scene's choreography and emotional dynamics.
"This wasn't just about creative differences," Kashyap suggested in his statements, "it revealed much about the power dynamics and ego clashes that often remain hidden from public view in Bollywood."
Industry Reactions and Fallout
The revelation has sparked intense discussions across social media platforms and within film circles. Many are viewing this as another chapter in the ongoing saga of behind-the-scenes conflicts in the Hindi film industry, particularly involving major stars and their relationships with respected character actors.
This incident adds to the growing list of controversies surrounding the making of Dabangg, which despite its massive commercial success, has been marred by various disputes and legal battles between the director and the lead actor over credits and creative control.
Legacy of the Film and Relationships
Dabangg, released in 2010, launched Salman Khan's career in a new direction and established his "Robinhood Pandey" persona that would define his subsequent blockbusters. However, Kashyap's latest claims suggest that the film's success came at the cost of strained relationships and unaddressed conflicts that continue to surface years later.
The late Om Puri, known for his powerful performances in both parallel and commercial cinema, was widely respected across the industry for his dedication to the craft. This revelation about his treatment on set has particularly upset his admirers and colleagues.
As Bollywood continues to grapple with these explosive allegations, the industry watches closely to see if Salman Khan or his team will respond to these serious claims made by his former collaborator.
