After Salman Khan’s film Sikandar flopped at the box office, director AR Murugadoss pointed fingers at the superstar, claiming he arrived late on sets. Now, actor Vindhu Dara Singh has stepped forward to clear the air—and his testimony is backed by personal experience of working alongside the Bollywood icon in multiple projects.
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Vindhu Dara Singh Controversy That Sparked It All
When Sikandar failed to meet box office expectations, the film’s director didn’t mince words. He publicly blamed Salman Khan’s punctuality issues and work ethics for the movie’s poor performance. This accusation didn’t sit well with those who’ve actually worked closely with the actor on film sets.
Vindhu Dara Singh, known for his roles in the Welcome franchise and recent film Welcome To The Jungle, decided to defend his long-time collaborator—not out of bias, but based on solid professional experience.
The Testimony: 5-6 Films of Evidence
In a candid interview with YouTube channel Kadak, Vindhu revealed his direct observations after working with Salman Khan on multiple occasions:
Vindhu’s exact words: “Maine Salman Ke Saath 5-6 Pictures Ki Hai. He is very clear agar unko 10 baje bulaya hai, he will be there at the time. Agar unki need 7 baje hai to wo 7 baje aayga, otherwise 9-10 baje jo time director bolega uss time aata hai.”
In simple terms: If Salman is called for 10 a.m., he’ll be there at 10 a.m. Period.
Why the Late Arrival Myth Doesn’t Hold Up
| Aspect | Reality Check |
|---|---|
| Salman’s Schedule | Usually works only one shift per day |
| Punctuality | Arrives exactly when called or when director specifies |
| Work Ethic | Shows up at whatever time the director needs him |
| Set Discipline | No questions of being habitually tardy |
| Professional Standard | Demonstrates clear professionalism across 5-6 collaborative films |
The 62-year-old actor emphasized a crucial point: Salman typically works a single shift, so there’s no room for confusion about call times. He either arrives at his scheduled time or whenever the director requires him—full stop.
Sikandar’s Real Problem: A Director’s Deflection?
When Vindhu asked Salman directly about the Sikandar failure, the superstar’s response was philosophically candid. According to Vindhu’s recollection, Salman said: “Ye (AR Murugadoss) bhi fail ho gaya. Dekh le, jab picture nhi chalti hai to aise blame krte hai.”
Translation: “He’s failed too. Look, when a movie doesn’t work, this is how they shift blame.”
This response suggests that instead of examining the actual reasons for the film’s underperformance—script, direction, or market reception—the director chose to point fingers at the star.
Beyond Professionalism: The Sensitive Side
Vindhu didn’t stop at defending Salman’s work ethics. He revealed a more personal insight: “Salman bahut hi sensitive aadmi hai. He might not show it, but whoever remembers you always is bound to be sensitive.”
This characterization humanizes the superstar beyond the “Bhai” persona fans know. It suggests someone who values relationships and carries emotions deeper than his public image suggests.
FAQs
Q: Has Salman Khan ever actually been late on film sets?
A: According to Vindhu Dara Singh, who worked with him on 5-6 films, Salman is extremely punctual and arrives exactly when called or as directed by the filmmaker—making the accusation more about deflection than reality.
Q: Why would a director blame an actor for a film’s failure?
A: When a film underperforms, it’s easier to blame external factors like an actor’s unprofessionalism than to accept responsibility for direction, script, or creative choices—a common pattern in Bollywood.
