Murugadoss’ Blunt Words on Salman Khan

Director A.R. Murugadoss has set off a storm by openly criticizing Salman Khan’s conduct during the shoot of Sikandar. His remarks — accusing the superstar of reporting hours late and keeping child actors awake till 2 a.m. — have not only put Salman in the spotlight but also reopened a longstanding conversation in Bollywood: the unchecked power of superstars, and the price everyone else pays for it.

A filmmaker who has previously collaborated with Salman corroborated Murugadoss’ charges, saying:

“He’s right. Salman Khan never arrives on set before 2–3 p.m. for a morning shift. Then it’s lunch, a nap, and shooting rarely begins before 5 p.m. Most directors find it impossible to work with him. But producers like Sajid Nadiadwala let him have his way, so Salman has never been forced to change his habits.”

This is hardly the first time Salman has been accused of indiscipline. In 2019, Sanjay Leela Bhansali abruptly shelved Inshallah with the actor, citing repeated interference and erratic behavior. Bhansali, who earlier gave Salman two of his most cherished roles in Khamoshi and Hum… Dil De Chuke Sanam, reportedly swore never to collaborate with him again. Even when Salman pitched a grand Baiju Bawra project in 2022 — featuring himself and Shah Rukh Khan under Bhansali’s direction — the filmmaker was said to have replied: “Shah Rukh, yes. Salman, never.”