Salman Khan vs. Ashneer Grover: A Controversy Unfolds

The recent clash between Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and entrepreneur Ashneer Grover has created quite a stir, starting with Ashneer’s remarks on a podcast and culminating in a dramatic exchange on Bigg Boss. Here’s a detailed look at how the controversy unfolded:

Table of Contents

How It Started

Ashneer Grover, former BharatPe co-founder, shared an anecdote about Salman Khan on a podcast. When asked if he had ever met Shah Rukh Khan, Ashneer replied, “No, but I’ve met Salman Khan.” He recounted a three-hour meeting with Salman in 2019 to brief him about a brand collaboration.

Ashneer praised Salman, calling him “very smart” and contrary to the public perception of being aloof or self-absorbed.
Salman reportedly made it clear during the ad shoot that he preferred to be portrayed “larger than life,” referencing the failure of Tubelight where his character’s vulnerability didn’t resonate with audiences.
Ashneer also humorously mentioned that Salman’s manager had warned him not to ask for a photo, but he respected the request.

The Bigg Boss Drama

Ashneer’s remarks resurfaced when he appeared as a guest on Bigg Boss. During the Weekend Ka Vaar segment, Salman directly addressed Ashneer, stating:

“I’ve heard you talk about me. You mentioned signing deals and quoted amounts, but gave incorrect figures. Why this hypocrisy? The attitude you’re showing now is different from the video I saw earlier.”

The audience and Salman’s fans immediately picked up on the tension, sparking a flood of reactions online.

Ashneer’s Response

Facing trolls and criticism, Ashneer took to X (formerly Twitter) to clarify his stance and share his side of the story. In a detailed tweet, he wrote:

“I hope you enjoyed the Bigg Boss Weekend Ka Vaar! I had good fun, and I’m sure the episode got great TRPs. All my statements below are TRUE:

Salman is a great host & actor.
Salman knows what works on Bigg Boss.
I’ve always praised Salman for his sense of self and business—not a single demeaning remark was made about him.
My deal numbers are always correct (bank/auditor verified).
I met Salman exclusively for a 3-hour meeting in May 2019 at JW Marriott Juhu for a brand collab. It’s okay if he doesn’t remember; I wasn’t a public figure then.
The invite to Bigg Boss was formal, just like the payment for the appearance.

And yes, I now have a pic with him, which I didn’t earlier!”

The Trolls and Public Reaction

Ashneer’s tweet sparked mixed reactions. While some fans appreciated his honesty and calm demeanor, others accused him of backtracking.

Supporters praised Ashneer for clearing the air and applauded his wit.
Critics felt he was trying to save face after being called out by Salman on national television.
Memes flooded social media, highlighting the irony of Ashneer’s claim about the photo and his earlier refusal to take one during the 2019 meeting.

Conclusion

The Salman-Ashneer controversy is yet another example of how candid remarks can spiral into public drama. While Ashneer clarified his intentions and expressed admiration for Salman, the incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between honesty and controversy, especially when it comes to celebrities.

For now, it seems both Salman and Ashneer have moved on, but their heated interaction will remain a memorable moment in Bigg Boss history.