Entrepreneur and former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover has once again found himself in the midst of controversy, this time involving Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. In a recent public address at NIT Kurukshetra, Grover took a direct dig at Salman, accusing him of creating unnecessary drama and stirring up competition. His remarks, including “Salman Khan ne faltu panga liya” (Salman Khan picked an unnecessary fight), have ignited a social media frenzy, drawing mixed reactions from fans, critics, and industry insiders.
The dispute stems from an interaction on Bigg Boss 18, where Salman reportedly grilled Ashneer Grover regarding past remarks about him. However, Grover claims that Salman was merely trying to create drama, calling out the actor for allegedly pretending not to know him. As the controversy unfolds, let’s take a deeper look into what triggered this verbal clash, how both parties have responded, and the public’s reaction.
Table of Contents
Background: What Led to the Clash?
Ashneer Grover, known for his blunt opinions and no-nonsense attitude, had made remarks about Salman Khan in a past podcast. He claimed that despite Salman being the brand ambassador of BharatPe in 2019, he was denied a personal meeting and a photo opportunity with the Bollywood superstar.
During a recent episode of Bigg Boss 18, Salman addressed these remarks, seemingly unaware of Grover’s past comments. The actor responded, stating, “I don’t even know your name. When I saw that video of yours, your face seemed familiar.” This response did not sit well with Grover, who later accused Salman of deliberately pretending not to know him, further stating that the actor’s endorsement of BharatPe would not have been possible without his approval as CEO.
At the NIT Kurukshetra event, Grover called out Salman’s alleged hypocrisy, questioning how he could endorse BharatPe without knowing who ran the company. His statement, “Agar aap meri company ke brand ambassador the, toh bina mujhse mile kaise ban gaye?” (If you were the brand ambassador of my company, how did you become one without meeting me?), has since gone viral on social media.
Salman Khan’s Response to Ashneer Grover
Salman Khan, on his part, has remained relatively unfazed by Grover’s comments. While addressing the controversy on Bigg Boss 18, he dismissed the claims, emphasizing that he does not hold grudges and that statements made by people like Grover do not affect him.
However, Salman did express his frustration over people misrepresenting interactions for publicity, stating, “It’s just that when you give a wrong impression about someone, it’s not right. Later, it will bite you itself.” While he did not directly attack Grover, his comments suggested that he viewed the entrepreneur’s statements as an attempt to gain attention.
Despite this, Salman Khan’s fan base has come out in full support of the actor, with many dismissing Grover’s accusations as an attempt to stay in the limelight post-Shark Tank India fame.
Public and Celebrity Reactions
The controversy has sparked a major online debate, with social media platforms flooded with memes, discussions, and polarized opinions.
- Support for Salman Khan: Many Bollywood fans have defended Salman, arguing that Grover’s comments are baseless and that the actor doesn’t need to acknowledge every entrepreneur who uses his brand image for promotions.
- Support for Ashneer Grover: Grover’s supporters believe he is exposing the way Bollywood functions and how power dynamics play a crucial role in the entertainment industry. Some have praised his fearlessness in calling out a major celebrity like Salman Khan.
- Uorfi Javed’s Take: Internet personality Uorfi Javed also weighed in on the controversy, challenging Grover to make similar statements in Salman’s presence. She posted on social media, “Bas ab ye Salman ke samne bol ke dikha! This guy Salman’s competition?” (Now say this in front of Salman! Is this guy even competition for Salman?).
- Industry Experts’ Perspective: Some film analysts believe this controversy is unnecessary and benefits both individuals by keeping them in the headlines. While Salman Khan is gearing up for new film releases, Grover has been making multiple public appearances, keeping his relevance alive in media discussions.
The Business Side: How This Affects Branding and Image
One of the key aspects of this controversy is its impact on the professional branding of both Salman Khan and Ashneer Grover.
- For Salman Khan: The controversy does little to damage his brand. With a fanbase of millions, Salman continues to dominate Bollywood. However, the fact that a businessman like Ashneer Grover has called him out raises questions about the authenticity of celebrity endorsements.
- For Ashneer Grover: The entrepreneur’s brand is built around being outspoken and brutally honest. His take on Salman Khan aligns with his existing persona, making him more popular among those who appreciate his directness. However, some critics argue that challenging a Bollywood superstar might not be the best move in a country where cinema and stardom hold immense power.
The Bigger Picture: Bollywood’s Relationship with Entrepreneurs
The entertainment and business worlds have long intersected, especially with major corporations hiring Bollywood celebrities as brand ambassadors. This clash between Salman Khan and Ashneer Grover raises questions about the effectiveness and authenticity of such partnerships.
- Do celebrities always know the companies they endorse?
- Should business leaders expect personal interactions with celebrities who endorse their brands?
- How much does brand association truly influence consumer trust and engagement?
Grover’s remarks suggest that business leaders like him value direct relationships, while the Bollywood industry functions differently, with endorsements often being just contractual agreements with no personal involvement.
Final Thoughts: Who Has the Upper Hand?
The Ashneer Grover-Salman Khan controversy is far from over. While Salman’s casual dismissal of Grover’s claims reflects his disinterest in the matter, Grover’s persistence in addressing it publicly suggests he won’t let it slide anytime soon.
From a PR perspective, Salman Khan’s strategy of not engaging deeply with the controversy is working in his favor. Meanwhile, Ashneer Grover continues to command media attention, fueling conversations around his brand.
As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the clash between business and Bollywood is an ongoing spectacle, and audiences love every bit of it.