Bollywood Actors Whose Careers Were Ruined by Salman Khan

Salman Khan, often referred to as the “Bhai” of Bollywood, is one of the biggest superstars in the Indian film industry. With a massive fan following and unparalleled influence, he has delivered numerous blockbusters and is celebrated as one of the most charismatic personalities in Bollywood. However, his star power also comes with a controversial side. Over the years, several actors and singers have reportedly faced setbacks in their careers due to falling out with Salman Khan.

This article delves into some high-profile cases where individuals saw their careers take a nosedive, allegedly due to Salman Khan’s influence.

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

One of the most iconic actresses in Bollywood, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, had a tumultuous relationship with Salman Khan. The two dated in the early 2000s, and their relationship was highly publicized. However, their breakup was equally dramatic and left a lasting impact on Aishwarya’s career.

After their split, Salman was reportedly furious and allegedly created obstacles for Aishwarya in the industry. She was dropped from several projects, including major films like Chalte Chalte, where she was replaced by Rani Mukerji. Aishwarya later revealed in interviews that she faced emotional abuse during their relationship, which further tarnished her image in the media.

The actress eventually moved on and married Abhishek Bachchan, becoming a part of the prestigious Bachchan family. Her marriage not only shielded her from further controversies but also helped her rebuild her career. Despite the challenges, Aishwarya remains one of Bollywood’s most respected and successful actresses.

Vivek Oberoi

Vivek Oberoi’s career trajectory is often cited as a cautionary tale in Bollywood. In 2003, Vivek held a press conference where he accused Salman Khan of threatening him over his growing closeness with Aishwarya Rai. This public confrontation with Salman turned out to be a disastrous move for Vivek’s career.

At the time, Vivek was riding high on the success of films like Company and Saathiya. However, after his fallout with Salman, he found himself ostracized by the industry. Big banners stopped offering him roles, and many filmmakers avoided working with him for fear of antagonizing Salman.

Despite multiple apologies to Salman over the years, Vivek’s career never fully recovered. He transitioned to smaller roles and eventually faded from the limelight.

Arijit Singh

Arijit Singh, one of the most celebrated singers in India, also found himself on the wrong side of Salman Khan. The feud reportedly began at an award show where Salman, hosting the event, joked about Arijit looking sleepy. Arijit responded with a casual remark about Salman’s hosting being “boring,” which did not sit well with the superstar.

What followed was a series of professional setbacks for Arijit. He was removed from singing for Salman’s films, including the chartbuster Jag Ghoomeya from Sultan. Despite Arijit’s public apologies and attempts to mend the relationship, Salman remained unforgiving, and Arijit missed out on several high-profile projects.

Anurag Kashyap

Acclaimed filmmaker Anurag Kashyap had a fallout with Salman Khan during the pre-production of Tere Naam. Anurag, who was initially roped in to direct the film, suggested that Salman grow chest hair to suit the character of Radhe, a small-town lover. This comment reportedly offended Salman, leading to Anurag’s removal from the project.

The film eventually became a massive hit under Satish Kaushik’s direction, but the incident marked the beginning of a strained relationship between Anurag and Salman. Anurag faced difficulties getting support for his projects in the mainstream Bollywood circuit for years.

Sushant Singh Rajput

The late Sushant Singh Rajput’s struggles in Bollywood have often been linked to the toxic culture of nepotism and favoritism in the industry. While there is no direct evidence implicating Salman Khan, rumors suggest that Sushant faced professional setbacks after an altercation with Salman’s protégé, Sooraj Pancholi.

Sushant’s promising career, which included critically acclaimed films like MS Dhoni: The Untold Story, faced roadblocks as he was allegedly dropped from projects under influential banners. His tragic death in 2020 reignited debates about the power dynamics in Bollywood and the role of influential figures like Salman in shaping or breaking careers.

Other Instances

Several other actors and filmmakers, including Abhinav Kashyap (director of Dabangg), have accused Salman Khan and his family of sabotaging their careers. Abhinav claimed that after the success of Dabangg, he faced interference from Salman’s family, which eventually led him to step away from the franchise.

Conclusion

While Salman Khan’s contributions to Bollywood are undeniable, his influence has often been a double-edged sword. For those who enjoy his favor, the sky is the limit. However, those who cross paths with him often find themselves navigating a difficult road.

These stories highlight the complex power dynamics in Bollywood, where personal relationships and grudges can overshadow talent and hard work. Whether these incidents are the result of deliberate sabotage or mere coincidences, they serve as a reminder of the challenges that come with navigating an industry dominated by influential figures.