When THIS veteran actor scolded Salman Khan publicly and sparked a 23-year 'Cold War'

Cold wars in Bollywood are like unscripted subplots, brewing quietly behind the scenes until they spill into the public eye. Sometimes they fade away with a handshake, but other times they stretch on for years.

Salman Khan, one of Hindi cinema’s most bankable stars, has been no stranger to such off-screen drama. However, among the many controversies, one incident stands out for its sheer longevity: the time veteran actor Danny Denzongpa lost his temper with him and scolded him on-set. Reportedly, Danny also refused to work alongside Salman for as long as 23 years.

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The Spark on Sanam Bewafa Sets

During the early 90s, Salman Khan was riding high on the success of Maine Pyar Kiya, and expectations for his next films were enormous. In 1991, on the set of Saawan Kumar Tak’s Sanam Bewafa, he was paired with Danny Denzongpa, a seasoned performer with a reputation for discipline, punctuality, and professionalism.

Salman Khan with Danny Denzongpa in Sanam Befawa

Danny arrived on set right on time, as was his habit. Salman, however, showed up hours late. The delay disrupted the shooting schedule and left the crew waiting. For Danny, who valued time as much as performance, this was a breach of the unspoken code between professionals. In full view of the cast and crew, he reportedly confronted Salman and scolded him, an incident still remembered in industry circles.

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A Freeze That Lasted 23 Years

The aftermath was more than just an awkward silence. Entertainment reports claim that Danny decided that day he would not share screen space with Salman again. Over the years, several potential projects reportedly fell through because of this silent boycott. 

The Cold War ended only in 2014 with Jai Ho, directed by Salman’s brother Sohail Khan. This closed a feud that had quietly endured for over two decades.