Salman Khan Breaks Silence on “Sikandar” Controversy, Defends Professionalism
Mumbai, Oct 13 (TheTrendingPeople.com): Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has finally spoken out about the ongoing controversy surrounding his alleged unprofessional behaviour during the making of Sikandar. Addressing the issue during the Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 19, the actor dismissed claims that his delays on set were due to negligence, revealing that an injury sustained during the film’s shoot was the real reason behind his late arrivals.
Salman Clarifies the Reason Behind His Delay
Speaking candidly to the audience, Salman admitted that he did arrive late to the Sikandar sets, but emphasized that it wasn’t due to a lack of commitment. “I used to come to set at 9 pm,” he said, “which is true, but that was because my rib was broken.” His honest explanation drew laughter and applause from the live audience.
The actor, known for his dedication and discipline in the industry, added, “People can say what they want, but I never compromise on my work. If something doesn’t click with the audience, that doesn’t mean anyone was unprofessional.”
A Witty Dig at A.R. Murugadoss
In his characteristic humorous tone, Salman also took a light-hearted jab at director A.R. Murugadoss, who helmed Sikandar and had earlier attributed the film’s underperformance to Salman’s late arrivals. Without directly naming the filmmaker, Salman quipped, “He’s made another movie now — Madharaasi. It’s a very big film, a much bigger blockbuster than Sikandar,” leaving the audience in splits.
Salman further revealed that Sikandar was initially a joint project between Murugadoss and producer Sajid Nadiadwala, both of whom eventually distanced themselves when production hurdles arose. “I still believed in the story and stood by it till the end. I don’t regret doing Sikandar. It was an emotional film, and I am proud of it,” he said.
The Director’s Earlier Claims
In previous interviews, A.R. Murugadoss had suggested that Sikandar suffered from delays due to Salman’s unpredictable schedule, stating that his late arrivals disrupted key shoot timings, particularly scenes involving younger co-stars. The director, however, admitted that while the script had strong emotional depth, its on-screen execution fell short of expectations.
Responding calmly to these remarks, Salman said, “Not every movie works, and that’s fine. The important thing is to respect the effort and move forward.” His composed response underlined his maturity and refusal to engage in unnecessary blame games.
Nikhil Dwivedi Comes to Salman’s Defence
Backing Salman’s stance, actor-producer Nikhil Dwivedi, who previously collaborated with him on Dabangg 3, defended the star’s work ethic in an interview with IANS. He highlighted Salman’s consistency and commitment to delivering films on time, especially given his tradition of releasing major films during Eid.
“I will give you an example – for the last 10 to 15 years, all of Salman’s films have been releasing mostly on Eid. That means he is working back to back because he has to catch a particular date,” Dwivedi said. “How do you think he has been able to catch that date without finishing films on time? How can he finish a film if he isn’t shooting enough?”
Dwivedi added, “Are you saying that an artist needs to arrive at 9 AM to show dedication? Or is it important that he’s spending enough time shooting and completing projects on time? Salman is working non-stop for 120 to 180 days on a film, which is no small feat.”
Balancing Bigg Boss and Films
Addressing Salman’s multiple professional commitments, Dwivedi pointed out that the actor continues to fulfill his hosting duties on Bigg Boss without fail. “Has there ever been a weekend where he randomly didn’t show up or was late without a valid reason? It’s always either because he’s out of the country or busy with another shoot. He’s showing up and honouring his commitments,” he said.
Dwivedi also made a broader point about creative professionals’ working styles. “Maybe everyone expects the shoot to begin at 11 AM — but maybe the artist prefers to start at 2 PM instead. That’s his prerogative. He knows when he’s most comfortable working,” he explained.
“Salman’s Reputation Speaks for Itself”
Calling the debate overblown, Dwivedi emphasized that Salman’s consistent track record over decades proves his professionalism. “Salman never clarifies or defends himself publicly. Because he doesn’t, it’s easy for people to label him unprofessional. But I’ve seen firsthand that he’s one of the most easygoing and dedicated actors to work with,” he remarked.
Recalling his experience producing Dabangg 3, Dwivedi added, “He has no demands. He’s so fuss-free that if you give him any vehicle to travel to set, he won’t even look at the model. He’s absolutely okay with whatever is provided.”
A Career Built on Discipline and Trust
Despite the controversies that occasionally surround him, Salman Khan’s career — spanning over three decades — stands as a testament to his professionalism and discipline. Industry insiders often point out his punctuality during promotional campaigns, his involvement in post-production discussions, and his unwavering commitment to completing projects within deadlines.
While Sikandar may not have performed as expected at the box office, Salman’s transparency about his injury and his willingness to address the rumours head-on have earned him praise from fans and peers alike.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
Salman Khan’s clarification on the Sikandar controversy brings closure to weeks of speculation about his professionalism. His candid admission about working through an injury, paired with support from colleagues like Nikhil Dwivedi, reinforces his image as a dedicated artist who prioritizes his craft over controversy.
In an industry where rumours often overshadow reality, Salman’s calm and composed response stands out — a reminder that true professionalism lies not in defending oneself constantly, but in letting one’s work speak louder than words.