Vikram Phadnis Says 'Salman Khan Gave Me An Identity' Amid Abhinav Kashyap's Sabotage Accusations

Salman Khan made a rare runway appearance as the showstopper for his friend, fashion designer, Vikram Phadnis, on October 14, 2025. The event celebrated Vikram Phadnis's 35-year milestone in the fashion industry. Other celebrities at the star-studded event included Bipasha Basu, Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia Deshmukh, and Sushmita Sen. Besides the celeb interactions, a notable part of the event was Vikram expressing his deep gratitude to Salman, crediting him for helping him in the early stages of his career. It comes after Dabangg director, Anurag Kashyap claimed that Salman sabotaged his Bollywood career, raising eyebrows among fans.

Vikram Phadnis credited Salman Khan for giving him an identity

During Vikram Phadnis' fashion show celebrating his 35 years in the industry, the designer credited Salman Khan for giving him an identity in the Bollywood sphere. For the unversed, Vikram Phadnis is a well-known Indian fashion designer and film director who has worked in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. During Vikram's latest Mumbai show, he said that whatever he achieved in his career and where he stood currently, he owed it all to Salman Khan and his family. He recalled that the Sikandar actor helped open doors for him in the industry and also provided him with his first flight ticket. Vikram said:

"I'd like to say thank you to a man to gave me my identify in this industry. I didn't know what it means to sit in an aircraft. He gave me my first passport. He gave me an identity that no one else did. I have said this in all my interviews, I owe everything I am today only to Salman Khan and his entire family."

Vikram thanked Salman for his contribution to his life and said that the actor made him feel welcome in the Bollywood industry. The designer also mentioned that Salman's family has been very kind to him and treated him as a part of their family. After Salman led Vikram into the industry, he became a top-tier designer creating Indian couture for Bollywood stars, including Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Kareena Kapoor Khan, and collaborated with international figures like model Naomi Campbell. Regarding his gratitude for the same, Vikram said:

"They [Salman Khan's family] have not only been kind but have taken me as the son of that house and like I said, the first time I went abroad was with Alvira and Salman and they showed me a different side of the world that I have not been able to see."

Salman Khan turned heads at Vikram Phadnis' fashion show

Salman Khan turned showstopper for Vikram Phadnis' October 2025 fashion show. The actor walked the ramp in a bespoke black sherwani featuring elegant gold and maroon floral embroidery. He showcased a stylish, regal, and composed presence that captivated the audience. During the event, Salman spoke about his long-standing bond with the designer, expressing how special it felt to be part of the celebration. Vikram reciprocated with heartfelt appreciation for him. Vikram's comment on Salman helping him build his career comes amid Abhinav Kashyap's accusations of Salman sabotaging his career.

What were Abhinav Kashyap's allegations against Salman Khan?

Abhinav Kashyap's allegations against Salman Khan primarily involve claims of career sabotage, harassment, and an unhealthy power dynamic stemming from their collaboration on the 2010 film, Dabangg. The feud has continued for years, with Abhinav Kashyap reigniting his claims in recent interviews and on social media. Abhinav stated that Salman and his family, including producer, Arbaaz Khan, harassed him to the point of a breakdown during the filming of Dabangg. He alleged they wanted him to quit so Arbaaz could take over as director.

What are your thoughts on Vikram Phadnis and Abhinav Kashyap's conflicting views on Salman Khan? Let us know.

Also Read: Salman Khan Gets Emotional At Pankaj Dheer's Funeral, Hugs Nikitin Dheer, Consoles His Family

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