Ashneer Grover vs Salman Khan: A Masterclass on X in Staying Relevant?

The clash between ex-BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover and Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has become a full-blown spectacle. What began as a business anecdote escalated into a heated exchange, culminating in Salman calling out Grover on Bigg Boss 18. Instead of fading, the controversy has only intensified, with Grover taking fresh digs at the superstar.

Is Grover fueling the drama for relevance, or does he genuinely feel wronged? And does Salman, with his decades of stardom, even care? Let’s break down the saga.

How Did the Drama of Ashneer Grover and Salman Khan Begin?

For those who may not be familiar, Salman Khan was brought on board BharatPe as its brand ambassador in 2019, during Ashneer Grover’s tenure as the company’s leader. In the 2023 episode of the Vagehra Vagehra podcast, Grover shared that, among other things, he was denied a photo with Salman by the actor’s team.

A Podcast, A Deal, and A Misunderstanding?

The controversy began with Ashneer Grover’s 2023 podcast, where he recalled negotiating Salman Khan’s endorsement fee for BharatPe from INR 7.5 crore to 4.5 crore. He also claimed Salman’s team restricted photos with the actor, sparking backlash from fans. While Salman initially stayed silent, the matter reignited when Grover faced him on national television.

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Bigg Boss 18: When Salman Khan Took Ashneer Grover to Task

Now, this story might have remained just another colourful tale in Grover’s anecdotes, but things took a sharp turn when he appeared on Bigg Boss 18—hosted, of course, by Salman Khan himself.

Salman Khan’s Bigg Boss Showdown: “I Did Not Even Know Your Name”

The controversy escalated when Ashneer Grover appeared on Bigg Boss 18, hosted by Salman Khan. What was meant to be a guest appearance turned into a headline-making confrontation.

During the Weekend Ka Vaar episode, Salman addressed Grover’s past remarks, dismissing his claims about negotiating the endorsement fee. With his trademark bluntness, Salman stated, “Na woh numbers sahi the. Mujhe toh aapka naam bhi nahi pata tha.” (The numbers weren’t even correct. I didn’t even know your name.)

Standing by his team, Salman accused Grover of twisting facts for attention. Known for his sharp comebacks, Grover appeared caught off guard. The exchange aired on Bigg Boss 18 Episode 43 on November 17, 2024.

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Grover’s Retort: Standing His Ground

In response to Salman’s, Grover took to social media to clarify his stance the very next day. He maintained that all the figures he mentioned were accurate and verified by banks and auditors. He acknowledged that while Salman might not remember their meeting, it did take place in May 2019 at JW Marriott Juhu. Grover emphasized that his intent was not to demean Salman and hoped the episode would garner high viewership.

Ashneer Grover Fires Back Again: “Faltu Ka Panga Le Liya”

Following the Bigg Boss episode, and the stance on X/Twitter, Grover did not let the matter rest. In a subsequent public interaction at NIT Kurukshetra, in the recent times in 2025, he made another statement that reignited the controversy. Reacting to Salman’s televised schooling, he said:

“Agar naam nahi jaanta, toh phir bulaya kyun tha?” (If you didn’t know my name, why did you call me?)

He went further, stating that Salman had unintentionally created competition for himself by turning this into a public spectacle.

“Faltu ka panga leke apna competition khada kiya usne.”

This statement was interpreted by many as an indirect challenge to Salman Khan’s larger-than-life status in Bollywood. Was Grover implying that he now saw himself as a public figure at Salman’s level? Or was it just his way of keeping the controversy alive?

Public and Social Media Reactions

The public’s opinion of this feud has been mixed. Some viewers criticized Grover for his earlier remarks, suggesting he should have been more respectful when discussing a celebrity of Salman’s. Others felt that the issue was blown out of proportion. Social media platforms buzzed with memes, debates, and discussions, reflecting the nation’s opinion.

Ashneer Grover vs. Salman Khan: Could This Have Been Avoided?

In hindsight, this entire episode might have been preventable with more cautious communication. Grover could have chosen his words more carefully, especially when discussing high-profile individuals. On the other hand, Salman might have addressed the issue privately rather than on a public platform.

Does Salman Khan Even Care?

Given Salman’s role in the industry, one might wonder if this controversy even slightly affects him. This is another fleeting moment in his long career. While he felt the need to correct the narrative on Bigg Boss, beyond that, it’s unlikely that he is losing sleep over it. Beyond the immediate context, he remains completely unaffected. His vast fan base and established career insulate him from such disputes in the long run.

Is Ashneer Grover Keeping the Matter Alive for Publicity?

Some observers speculate that Grover’s remarks about the incident serve to keep him in the public eye. Engaging in a spat with a figure as prominent as Salman Khan ensures media coverage, which in turn could be advantageous for his ventures

Opinion: A Lesson in Public Discourse

This incident highlights the responsibility that comes with public discourse. In an era of rapid information spread, public figures must balance transparency with respect.
The controversy underscores the power of mindful communication and the unpredictability of public reactions. For the audience, it’s just another spectacle, proving once again that controversy remains the best currency in entertainment and business.