Abhinav Singh Kashyap : The Resurfacing Controversy and Bollywood’s Power Dynamics

Abhinav Singh Kashyap, the director behind the 2010 Bollywood blockbuster Dabangg, has once again found himself in the headlines in September 2025. Known for launching Salman Khan’s iconic Chulbul Pandey character, Kashyap’s career took a sharp downturn after his debut, and his recent statements have reignited debates about nepotism, power struggles, and bullying in Bollywood. Here’s a deep dive into the latest updates surrounding Kashyap, his feud with the Khan family, and what it means for his legacy.

The Dabangg Fallout: A Decade-Long Grudge

Abhinav Singh Kashyap, born on September 6, 1974, in Obra, Uttar Pradesh, burst onto the Bollywood scene with Dabangg, a masala action film that grossed ₹138 crore in India and redefined Salman Khan’s stardom. Directed with flair and co-written by Kashyap, the film was a cultural phenomenon. However, Kashyap’s absence from its sequels (Dabangg 2 and 3) raised eyebrows, and in recent years, he has been vocal about the reasons behind his exit.

In interviews and social media posts that resurfaced this week, Kashyap reiterated allegations that the Khan family—Salman, Arbaaz, Sohail, and their father, Salim Khan—sabotaged his career. He claims they bullied him, forced him out of Dabangg 2, and threatened his family, contributing to his 2017 divorce from writer Chatura Rao and subsequent mental health struggles. Kashyap has called Salman a “gunda” (thug) and revealed that his brother, acclaimed director Anurag Kashyap, warned him against working with the Khans. These accusations, initially made public in 2020 during the Sushant Singh Rajput controversy, gained fresh traction in September 2025 amid ongoing discussions about Bollywood’s inner workings.

Salman Khan, in a recent interview, dismissed these claims, stating, “If I ruined anyone’s career, it’s my own.” The Khan family has previously pursued legal action against Kashyap for defamation, and the feud shows no signs of resolution.

Media and Public Reaction in 2025

The renewed focus on Kashyap’s allegations comes from a flurry of media coverage and social media buzz. On September 8, The Week published an article revisiting Kashyap’s struggles, framing them as part of broader industry issues like bullying and favoritism, especially in the context of the Sushant Singh Rajput case. Bharat Journal ran pieces on September 8 and 10, amplifying Kashyap’s claims that the Khans sidelined him to “set up Arbaaz” as the director of the Dabangg sequels.

On X, users like @amardeepsinghal have drawn parallels between Kashyap’s experience and other actors allegedly sidelined by powerful industry figures, such as Arijit Singh and Vivek Oberoi. Posts tagged as “latest” have fueled speculation about systemic issues in Bollywood, with some fans reminiscing about Dabangg’s success and urging producers to give Abhinav Singh Kashyap another chance. Despite this, no new projects have been announced, leaving his comeback uncertain.

A Stalled Career: From Dabangg to Silence

Kashyap’s filmography is a tale of unfulfilled potential. After Dabangg, he directed Besharam (2013), starring Ranbir Kapoor, which was a critical and commercial flop. His earlier work as a writer on TV shows like Ssshhhh… Koi Hai (2001) and films like Manorama Six Feet Under (2007) and 13B (2009) showcased his knack for thrillers, but he has not directed or written for the big screen since Besharam. Below is a snapshot of his key contributions:

Kashyap’s limited output since 2013 has left fans and industry observers wondering if he’ll ever reclaim his early promise.

What’s Next for Abhinav Singh Kashyap?

As of September 2025, there are no confirmed reports of Abhinav Singh Kashyap working on new films or shows. His social media presence remains his primary platform for airing grievances, but it has yet to translate into professional opportunities. The Bollywood landscape, still grappling with accusations of nepotism and gatekeeping, may not be the most welcoming for a filmmaker who has publicly challenged one of its biggest families.

However, Kashyap’s story resonates with those questioning the industry’s power dynamics. His allegations, whether fully substantiated or not, highlight the challenges faced by outsiders in a star-driven ecosystem. For now, fans can only hope that Abhinav Singh Kashyap channels his energy into a comeback project that recaptures the magic of Dabangg.

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Abhinav Singh Kashyap’s rekindled feud with the Khan family has brought his name back into the spotlight, but it’s a bittersweet return. While his accusations have sparked conversations about fairness in Bollywood, they’ve also underscored his absence from filmmaking. Whether he’ll rise above the controversy to direct again remains to be seen. For the latest on this story, keep an eye on platforms like X, where the debate continues to unfold.