Questions around Salman Khan Career Sabotage have circulated for years, and as Dabangg marks its 15th anniversary, he publicly pushed back on the idea that he derails others’ careers. In a candid moment on Bigg Boss Weekend Ka Vaar, he framed success as something higher than his personal influence, stressing that God ultimately builds careers.
Salman Khan Responds to Claims of Career Interference
Ahead of the Dabangg milestone, film-maker Abhinav Kashyap’s fallout with Salman Khan and parts of the Khan family had reignited talk about how careers can be shaped in Bollywood. On this week’s Bigg Boss episode, Salman was pressed to address the accusations and offered a straightforward reply about the power dynamics behind fame.
During the discussion, Shehnaaz Gill—who is known for her Bigg Boss 13 run—thanked Salman for helping many stay afloat in the industry and then asked for her brother Shehbaz to be allowed inside the house. Shehnaaz Gill said,
Sir, aapne itnon ke career banaye hai (Sir, you’ve made so many people’s careers).
In response, Salman insisted he has never “made” anyone’s career himself. He stated clearly,
Maine kahan banaye hain kisi ki career. Career banane waala toh upar waala hai (When have I ever made someone’s career? The one who makes careers is God).
He added that external voices sometimes imply he has a hand in others’ professional fates, but he argued that the reality is far from that idea,
Laanchan bhi daala hai ki kitno ke dubaaye hai. Specially dubaane waale toh mere haath mein hai hi nahi. Lekin aaj kal sab chalta hai na ki career khaa jaayega. Kaunsa career khaaya maine? Par agar khao na toh main apna khud ka career khaa jaunga.
Salman later acknowledged moments of complacency in his own career management, admitting,
Kabhi kabhi main complacent hojaata hun aur fir chodh deta hun aur fir vapas usko aapne grip main laane ki koshish karta hun.
These exchanges framed his stance: while he is perceived as influential, he insists the ultimate trajectory of a career rests with larger forces, not merely his interactions on a reality show stage.
Abhinav Kashyap’s Strong Claims and Salman’s Critics
Separately, Abhinav Kashyap—who directed Salman Khan projects in the past—shared sharp criticisms about how the film industry operates. In a conversation with a trade outlet, he described Salman as detached from acting over long stretches and portrayed him as someone who attends shoots primarily out of obligation, positing that the star system is run by powerful insiders who can be vindictive.
Salman is never involved. He is not even interested in acting, and he hasn’t been since the last 25 years. He does a favour by turning up to work. Khan is more into the power of being a celebrity, but he is not interested in acting. He is a gunda (goon).
The filmmaker went further, characterizing Salman as a central figure in a “father of the star system” setup, arguing that entrenched film families perpetuate control, and that dissenters risk pushback from a system that can be punitive.
He (Salman Khan) is the father of the star system in Bollywood. He is from a film family which has been in the industry since 50 years. He continues the process. They are vindictive people. They control the whole process. If you don’t agree with them, they come after you.
Kashyap also recalled tension with Anurag Kashyap when he was involved with the film Tere Naam, saying his colleague warned him about potential bullying, reflecting what he says are power plays within the industry’s inner circles.
He (Anurag) told me before Dabangg that you won’t be able to make a film with Salman. He just didn’t tell me in great detail why. He just thought I’ll get easily bullied, he knows these vultures,.
The exchanges underscore a broader debate about influence, accountability, and how creative collaborations are shaped behind the scenes. While Salman Khan continues to headline blockbuster projects and a prominent integral part of Bollywood’s star system, the voices of colleagues like Abhinav Kashyap keep fueling a conversation about power dynamics and the line between mentorship and manipulation.
As the industry watches how these conversations unfold, the immediate takeaway is a heightened awareness of who gets heard in matters of career opportunity, and what accountability looks like when megawatt success and personal disputes intersect on public platforms.
