The latest episode of Bigg Boss 19’s “Weekend Ka Vaar” proved to be an emotional rollercoaster, seamlessly blending heartfelt celebrations with subtle yet pointed controversy. Host Salman Khan surprised contestant Tanya Mittal with a truly royal birthday gesture, gifting her a grand singhasan (throne) inside the house. However, the festive atmosphere soon took a significant turn when Salman, in a thinly veiled address, took an indirect dig at his Dabangg director Abhinav Kashyap, who has recently been accusing Salman and his family of harassment and professional misconduct.
In the Sunday episode of “Weekend Ka Vaar,” the celebration of Tanya Mittal’s birthday brought a moment of emotional candidness. Overwhelmed with emotion and the grand gesture from Salman, Tanya expressed a heartfelt wish: “I hope Salman sir becomes like family to me in Mumbai, so I don’t feel unsafe living there.” This emotional moment underscored the unique bond contestants often form with the influential host. However, the tone shifted noticeably when Salman, in his characteristic style, addressed Abhinav Kashyap’s recent allegations, though without ever directly naming him. His comments were delivered to the housemates but were clearly aimed at a broader audience and a specific target.
While speaking to the housemates, Salman delivered a scathing commentary that left little doubt about who he was referring to. He said: “Jo sab mere saath attach huye hai ya huye the, aajkal unki bhi baj rahi hai. Baithe-baithe log kuch bhi and-sand bol rahe hain jinse mera talluk raha hai, aur jinhone kabhi meri tareef ki hai. Ab, they don’t quite like me anymore. Aajkal log podcast me aake utpatang baatein karte hai kyunki unke paas koi kaam nahi hai. My request to you all is, please koi kaam kar lo (Those who are or were once associated with me are also being targeted these days. People I’ve had connections with — even those who once praised me — are now sitting around and saying all sorts of nonsense. These days, people go on podcasts and talk rubbish just because they don’t have any work. My request to all of you is, please, get some work).” This pointed statement, delivered with a mix of sarcasm and sternness, was widely interpreted as a direct response to Abhinav Kashyap’s public claims.
The Dabangg Director’s Allegations, Salman Khan’s Retort
For context, Abhinav Kashyap, the director of the blockbuster film Dabangg, recently appeared on a podcast where he made a series of serious allegations against Salman Khan and his family. Kashyap claimed that Salman took undue credit for the success of Dabangg and suggested that the actor was involved in manipulation, flattery, and even personal attacks during past film projects. These claims painted a picture of a toxic work environment and an industry figure who allegedly misused his power.
Abhinav Kashyap also revisited an older, much-talked-about incident from the set of Tere Naam. He alleged that Salman Khan created such a difficult and hostile environment for his brother, Anurag Kashyap (who was initially slated to direct Tere Naam), that Anurag had no option but to walk away from the project. These allegations, made years after the events, have reignited public debate about power dynamics within Bollywood and the treatment of creative talent by established stars.
Furthermore, Abhinav Kashyap critically examined Salman Khan’s recent praise for Anurag Kashyap’s film Nishaanchi. Abhinav dismissed Salman’s commendation as an act of “chamchagiri” (flattery or sycophancy), suggesting it was a calculated move meant to silence critics and project a false image of cordiality between the two powerful film families. He implied that Salman’s praise was not genuine artistic appreciation but a strategic attempt to manage public perception amidst ongoing tensions.
Salman Khan’s indirect retort on Bigg Boss 19 signals that he is unwilling to let these public accusations go unanswered. His comments, while not directly naming Abhinav, were clear enough to be understood by the audience and those within the industry, positioning the ongoing public feud as a matter of professional conduct and a lack of genuine work from his accusers. This public exchange on one of television’s most-watched shows ensures that the controversy between the Khan family and Abhinav Kashyap will continue to be a significant talking point in Bollywood for the foreseeable future.