Danny Denzongpa’s 23-Year Film Break With Salman Khan Explained

The spotlight often hides more than it reveals in Bollywood, where towering talents occasionally clash like titans. One of the industry’s most intriguing standoffs unfolded between superstar Salman Khan and veteran actor Danny Denzongpa – a professional rift that spanned decades before an unexpected reconciliation.

What Sparked the Salman Khan-Danny Denzongpa Feud?

The tension ignited on the sets of the 1991 romantic drama Sanam Bewafa. Known for his military precision in timing, Denzongpa arrived promptly for shooting only to wait endlessly for his co-star. When Salman Khan finally appeared hours behind schedule, the disciplined Denzongpa reportedly erupted, chastising the younger actor publicly for his unprofessionalism. This confrontation had lasting consequences: Danny refused any project involving Salman for 23 consecutive years, turning down lucrative offers as a matter of principle. The stalemate only ended during the production of Sohail Khan’s 2014 film Jai Ho, where both shared screen space again after two decades of silence.

Danny Denzongpa: The Padma Shri Awardee Who Defined Versatility

Born Tshering Phintso Denzongpa in Sikkim, Danny debuted in 1972’s Zaroorat but gained prominence with Gulzar’s Mere Apne. His breakthrough as an antagonist came in B.R. Chopra’s thriller Dhund, establishing him as Bollywood’s go-to villain through iconic performances in:

• Kaala Sona (1975)
• The Burning Train (1980)
• Bandish (1980)
• Agneepath (1990)

Awarded the Padma Shri in 2003, Danny’s career spans 190+ films across Hindi, Tamil, Nepali, and Bengali cinema, recently winning National Awards for 2024’s critical hit Uunchai. Beyond acting, he’s directed films and recorded playback vocals, cementing his legacy as a multi-faceted artist.

Salman Khan’s Meteoric Rise Amidst Storms

Salman entered films as a supporting actor in 1988’s Biwi Ho Toh Aisi but became an overnight sensation with 1989’s Maine Pyar Kiya. His 1990s dominance included record-breaking family dramas like Hum Aapke Hain Koun! (1994) and Hum Saath Saath Hain (1999). Despite controversies, Khan’s stardom endured, earning him two National Awards for production and establishing him as box-office royalty through the Dabangg and Tiger franchises. Upcoming projects include The Bull and Kick 2, both slated for 2025 releases.

Reconciliation Beyond the Cameras

While Jai Ho formally ended their professional estrangement, a viral moment in 2024 revealed deeper reconciliation. Photographs showed Salman affectionately kissing Danny’s son, Rinzing Denzongpa, on the cheek – a gesture signaling genuine warmth between the families. This human moment, contrasting their past friction, resonated widely on social media.

Their journey—from a heated confrontation in 1991 to shared National Award glory in 2024—proves that even Bollywood’s fiercest rifts can heal when professionalism and mutual respect prevail. Witness how discipline and talent ultimately forged an unexpected peace between two industry giants.

Must Know

What caused the Salman-Danny fallout?
The conflict began in 1991 when Salman Khan arrived hours late on the Sanam Bewafa set, violating Danny Denzongpa’s strict professionalism. Danny publicly reprimanded Salman and subsequently refused all collaborations with him for 23 years.

How did they resolve their feud?
They reconciled during the filming of Sohail Khan’s 2014 movie Jai Ho, marking their first joint project since the 1991 incident. Their shared screen time eased tensions professionally.

What is Danny Denzongpa’s recent achievement?
Danny starred in the 2023 film Uunchai, which won two National Awards in 2024, demonstrating his enduring impact on Indian cinema even after five decades in the industry.

What are Salman Khan’s upcoming films?
Salman will next appear in The Bull, directed by Vishnuvardhan, and the sequel Kick 2, both scheduled for 2025 releases, continuing his streak as a top box-office draw.

How many films has Danny Denzongpa acted in?
With a career spanning over 50 years, Danny has acted in approximately 190 films across multiple languages, including memorable negative roles in classics like Agneepath and Khuda Gawah.