On the latest Bigg Boss 18 episode, Bollywood’s iconic actor and host of the show, Salman Khan publicly mocked Ashneer Grover over past controversies. As the former Shark Tank India judge appeared as a guest, Khan grilled Grover over his previous remarks, also seemingly cautioned him to be more mindful of his words and public image.
At a college event, Ashneer Grover, co-founder of the fintech giant BharatPe, recounted how he negotiated and sealed a deal with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan to serve as the company’s brand ambassador.
However, Grover’s remarks seem to have struck Khan’s nerves. In a recent episode of Bigg Boss, the actor appeared to respond with a subtle jab, hinting at his displeasure over Grover’s public claim.
“Meeting was not held with you but with your team. Maybe you were also present there. We have not had any discussions. I saw what you said. You presented that we befooled you. This is wrong. Those numbers were wrong.” said Salman to Ashneer on Bigg Boss
Following Salman Khan’s stern words, Ashneer Grover remained largely silent before speaking up to praise Khan, calling his selection as brand ambassador a “smart move.” Grover then extended an apology to Khan, clarifying that his intentions were not to disrespect him, in an apparent attempt to diffuse the tension and show contrition.
“The way you are talking, you did not have the same attitude in that video. I do not feel bad about anything but it is not right to give a wrong impression about anyone. I just got to know that you are coming here. I did not know your name also. Since I had seen your video, I recognized your face. I think you should be careful about how you present yourself,” Salman added.
Ashneer Grover had previously shared an anecdote in the Vagehra Vagehra podcast last year, recalling a past encounter with Salman Khan. According to Grover, during a sponsored ad shoot, Khan’s manager allegedly informed him that the actor would not pose for a photo with him.
“Salman Khan se mila hoon. Usko humne sponsor rakha tha, toh uske shoot ke liye mila tha. Shoot se pehle mila tha usko brief karne ke liye ki company kya hai. Toh teen ghante baitha tha uske saath, uske manager ne bol diya ki photo nahi khichwani hai, sir thoda bura maan jaate hain. Maine kaha saale, maine bola, nahi khichwaunga photo, bhaad main ja tu. Matlab aisi kaunsi heropanti ho gayi (I met Salman when I briefed him for a sponsored ad shoot. I sat with him for three hours and then his manager told me that Salman would not take a photo with me. I told him I won’t take a picture, you go to hell),” Ashneer made the claim previously
After much trolling across social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), Ashneer Grover broke the silence only to praise Salman Khan.
“I hope you enjoyed the Bigg Boss weekend ka vaar! I had good fun. And I am sure the particular episode got great TRP / viewership. BTW all of the 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 thing demeaning said for him ever. My deal numbers are always correct (bank / auditor verified).” Ashneer Grover remarked on the deal value with Khan. “Met Salman in an exclusive meeting on the brand collab for 3 hours in May 2019 in JW Marriott Juhu – along with the director of ad (it’s ok if he doesn’t remember me – I was not a public figure then – he meets tons of people). The invite for coming as guest on Bigg Boss was not ‘unnamed’ – just like the cheque for the same 😉 And finally I’ve a pic with him – which I didn’t earlier (with no managers around). Thanks Salman Khan. Keep rocking!”
