The latest episode of Bigg Boss 18 featured a face-off between Bollywood superstar Salman Khan and former Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover, where the actor called out Ashneer for some of his controversial comments made about him in the past. During the interaction, Salman Khan confronted Ashneer about remarks he had made regarding their past meeting, as well as some of his statements on social media. Grover, known for his bluntness and outspokenness, responded with a detailed post on X (formerly Twitter), providing clarity and defending his stance.

Here’s a breakdown of the heated exchange and Ashneer Grover’s response.

The Bigg Boss Face-off: Salman Khan Calls Out Ashneer Grover

In the Bigg Boss 18 episode, Salman Khan didn’t hold back when addressing Ashneer Grover’s past comments about him. The actor referred to a podcast interview where Ashneer had discussed their previous interaction, specifically criticizing Salman’s attitude during a brand collaboration. Salman questioned Grover on the discrepancy in the numbers he had shared during the podcast, even accusing him of making exaggerated claims.

Salman’s Remarks on Bigg Boss:

“Maine aapko mere baare mein kehte huye suna hai kuch. Aapne kaha ki, ‘Humne toh isko itne mein sign kardiya’. Uska figure bhi aapne galat de diya. Toh phir yeh dogalapan kya hai?” (I heard you talking about me. You said, ‘We signed him for this much’. You also gave the wrong figures. So what are these double standards?)”

This comment, which was both direct and pointed, seemed to catch Ashneer off guard. However, the Shark Tank star maintained his composure, offering a measured response, saying, “Aapko jo humne brand ambassador liya (The decision to make you brand ambassador), I think that was one of the smartest moves I made.”

Salman Responds with a Challenge:

Salman Khan, who is known for his candid and sometimes confrontational style, wasn’t ready to let Ashneer off the hook. He further added, “Lekin jis hisaab se ab aap baat kar rahe ho, woh jo maine aapka video dekha hai, yeh aapka attitude wahan par nahi tha” (But the way you’re talking now, it wasn’t like this in the video I watched of you).

Ashneer, in turn, responded by acknowledging the difference in tone, admitting that the earlier podcast might have come across incorrectly. “Maybe in the podcast, it didn’t come across correct,” he said, before clarifying his stance once again. The exchange ended on a somewhat lighter note with Salman saying, “Lekin jaise yeh hai, yeh barabar aa raha hai” (But the way you’re speaking now is correct).

Ashneer Grover’s Response on X: Clearing the Air

After the Bigg Boss episode aired, Ashneer Grover took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond in a detailed post, setting the record straight on several issues raised by Salman Khan. In his statement, Ashneer reiterated that all of his previous comments were true and provided additional context to the situation.

Ashneer Grover’s Clarification:

“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:”

Ashneer continued, listing his points of clarification:

  • Salman as a Host & Actor: “Salman is a great host & actor. Salman knows what works on Bigg Boss.”
  • Praise for Salman’s Business Sense: “I’ve always praised Salman for his sense of self and business – not a single thing demeaning said for him ever.”
  • Brand Deal Facts: He defended the numbers, stating, “My deal numbers are always correct (bank/auditor verified).”
  • Meeting with Salman Khan in 2019: Ashneer went on to explain the nature of their first meeting: “Met Salman in an exclusive meeting on the brand collab for 3 hours in May 2019 at JW Marriott Juhu – along with the director of the ad (it’s okay if he doesn’t remember me – I was not a public figure then – he meets tons of people).”
  • Bigg Boss Invite Clarified: He also addressed the rumors surrounding his Bigg Boss appearance, clarifying, “The invite for coming as a guest on Bigg Boss was not ‘unnamed’ – just like the cheque for the same ;).”
  • A Picture to Prove It: Ashneer concluded his post by sharing a photo with Salman Khan from the same 2019 meeting, saying, “And finally I’ve a pic with him – which I didn’t earlier (with no managers around). Thanks Salman Khan. Keep rocking!”

The Vagehra Vagehra Podcast: Ashneer’s Earlier Comments on Salman Khan

The controversy traces back to an episode of the Vagehra Vagehra podcast, where Ashneer Grover spoke about his experience working with Salman Khan on a brand collaboration. Grover shared that he had met the actor for a 3-hour meeting during which they discussed the company and the brand collaboration. However, he mentioned that Salman’s manager had prevented him from taking a photo with the actor, stating that Salman did not like such interactions.

Ashneer, who seemed disappointed by the incident, said, “Usko humne sponsor rakha tha, uske shoot ke liye mila tha, usko brief karne ke liye company ke baare mein. Teen ghante baitha tha uske saath, uske manager ne bol diya photo nahi khichwani, sir thoda bura maan jaate hain. Maine bola nahi khichwaunga photo, bhaad mein jaa tu, aisi kaunsi heropanti hogayi” (We kept him as a sponsor and I met him at a shoot to tell him about our company. I sat with him for three hours and his manager said that there will be no photos with him as ‘Sir’ doesn’t like it. I said fine I won’t do it. Go to hell, why so much attitude).

This anecdote stirred controversy and became the subject of widespread discussion, with Ashneer’s use of the word “heropanti” (attitude) raising eyebrows.