The Day Salman Vanished: David Dhawan's Furious Demand Over a Hair-Raising Crisis Before 'Partner'

The glitz and glamour of Bollywood often hide tales of drama, unexpected challenges, and the sheer tenacity required to bring a film to life. One such legendary anecdote comes from the sets of the 2007 blockbuster 'Partner,' involving none other than the superstar Salman Khan, the acclaimed director David Dhawan, and the ever-charming Govinda.

It's a story of a director's fury, an actor's sudden disappearance, and a hair-raising demand that became part of Bollywood lore.

David Dhawan vividly recalls the day production came to a grinding halt. A crucial song sequence featuring Salman Khan and Lara Dutta was scheduled, but Salman was nowhere to be found.

Frantic calls led Dhawan to Govinda, the film's other leading man, who delivered the surprising news: Salman was "working on his personality." This vague explanation soon gave way to the truth – Salman Khan had taken an unexpected break to undergo a hair transplant procedure.

For any director, an unannounced halt, especially from a lead actor, is a nightmare.

Schedules, budgets, and the entire production chain hinge on punctuality. Dhawan, known for his fast-paced, high-energy productions, was understandably furious. "The shooting was on, the song was supposed to be shot with Lara Dutta and Salman Khan, and Salman was missing!" Dhawan recounted, his frustration still palpable years later.

The disruption was massive, and the immediate future of the film seemed uncertain.

It was Govinda who found himself in the unenviable position of mediating between a raging director and his superstar co-star. Understanding both Dhawan's predicament and Salman's desire for a personal transformation, Govinda tried to pacify the situation.

But Dhawan wasn't easily swayed. He needed assurance, a guarantee that his star would return and be ready to film.

In a moment of sheer desperation and professional demand, Dhawan made an extraordinary request to Govinda. "You give me in writing that Salman Khan will come back, and he will get his hair back," Dhawan reportedly demanded.

It was an ultimatum, a testament to the high stakes involved in Bollywood filmmaking and the unique challenges directors face when working with larger-than-life personalities. The demand wasn't just for Salman's return, but specifically for his hair – a clear indication of how vital an actor's appearance is to their on-screen persona.

True to Govinda's word and Salman's commitment, the superstar reappeared within 20 to 25 days.

He was indeed transformed, sporting a noticeably different, yet undeniably improved, hairline. Reportedly, Salman had flown to Dubai for the procedure, a step he deemed necessary for his self-confidence and career. His dedication to his craft and image was evident, even if it caused a temporary disruption.

The rest, as they say, is history.

'Partner' went on to become a colossal hit, a testament to the comedic genius of Dhawan, the undeniable chemistry between Salman and Govinda, and the entertaining storyline. The film cemented Salman's position as a leading man and further enhanced Govinda's reputation as a comedic powerhouse. The 'hair incident' became a memorable behind-the-scenes tale, a reminder that even the biggest stars face personal challenges and make significant efforts for their professional roles.

It’s a compelling glimpse into the human and logistical drama that often unfolds before the magic of cinema can grace the silver screen.