Did you know Salman Khan and Danny Denzongpa’s cold war lasted over 23 years?

In 1991, on the sets of Sanam Bewafa, tension brewed between Salman Khan and Danny Denzongpa. Known for his punctuality, Danny arrived on time, but Salman reportedly showed up hours late. As per sources, frustrated Danny scolded him in front of the crew, sparking a rift that lasted over two decades.

Following the incident, Danny refused to work with Salman Khan for 23 years, turning down any scripts featuring him. The ice finally broke in 2014, when the two reunited for Sohail Khan’s Jai Ho, signalling the end of their long-standing cold war.

Debuting in Zaroorat (1972), Danny earned acclaim with Gulzar’s Mere Apne and made his mark as a villain in B.R. Chopra’s Dhundh. The 1970s brought hits like Chor Machaye Shor, Kaala Sona, 36 Ghante, Devata, Kalicharan, and Fakira. His career flourished with big-budget antagonist roles in Paapi, The Burning Train, Chunoti, Bandish, and Aashiq Hoon Baharon Ka. Over time, he appeared in 190 films across Hindi, Tamil, Nepali, and Bengali cinema, also exploring playback singing and direction.

Honoured with the Padma Shri in 2003 for his contribution to Indian cinema, Danny’s recent success came with Uunchai, which won two National Awards in 2024. Salman, meanwhile, is gearing up for upcoming projects like The Bull and Kick 2.

Born Tshering Phintso Denzongpa on February 25, 1948, in Yukson, Sikkim, Danny hails from a Nepali-speaking Bhutiya family. Married to Gawa, a Sikkimese princess, since 1990, he lives in Juhu, Mumbai, with their children Rinzing and Pema. A rare heartwarming moment between the families went viral when Salman was photographed affectionately kissing Rinzing on the cheek, hinting at their reconciled friendship.