Ashneer Grover, the former BharatPe founder and entrepreneur, has responded sharply to Salman Khan’s remarks made during Bigg Boss 18, where the superstar claimed he didn’t know Ashneer’s name. The exchange, which took place last year, escalated into a heated altercation between the two. Now, Ashneer has revealed that Salman’s comments were merely part of an effort to “create drama” for the show.
Ashneer appeared as a guest on Bigg Boss 18, but things turned sour when Salman called him out for comments he had made in the past. During an interaction with students at NIT Kurukshetra, Ashneer openly criticized Salman, calling his remarks “unnecessary” and accusing the host of stirring up drama. He remarked, “Faltu ka panga leke apna competition khada kiya usne,” implying that Salman created unnecessary tension for the sake of drama.
Referring to Salman’s claim of not knowing his name, Ashneer said, “Main toh shanti se gaya tha jab mereko bulaya. Ab drama create karna ke liye aap kisiko bol do, arey main toh aapse mila hi nahi. I don’t even know your name. Abey naam nahi jaanta toh bulaaya kyun tha?” (I went peacefully when I was invited. Now, to create drama, you say, ‘I don’t even know your name.’ If you didn’t know my name, then why did you call me?)
Ashneer also brought up his past experience with Salman when the actor was the brand ambassador of his company. He mentioned that no one could become the brand ambassador without meeting him first, highlighting his firm approach to running the business. He said, “Tum agar meri company ke brand ambassador the toh aisa nahi ho sakta ki tum merese bina mile brand ambassador ban gaye. Mai bhi kamino ki tarah hi company chalata tha.” (And let me tell you one more thing. If you were the brand ambassador of my company, it wouldn’t have been possible for you to become the brand ambassador without meeting me. I ran my company like a ruthless person. Everything had to go through me.)
This confrontation echoes an earlier incident when Ashneer mentioned on the Vagehra Vagehra podcast that he was denied the chance to take a photo with Salman. Following this, Salman took a jab at Ashneer during Bigg Boss 18, accusing him of misrepresenting the truth. Salman said, “I just got to know that you are coming. Mujhe toh aapka naam bhi nahi pata tha. Lekin jab aapki woh jo video dekhi thi toh aapke shakal mere saamne aaya tha.” (I didn’t even know your name. When I saw that video of yours, your face seemed familiar).
Salman also cautioned Ashneer, “I’m just saying you should be careful with how you present yourself, even when we are not there.”
Ashneer’s latest project, Rise and Fall, debuted on January 30th on Amazon MX Player. In the show, contestants are split into two groups: Rulers and Workers, with the powerful elite living at the top while the underdogs occupy the bottom. Ashneer serves as the host, introducing viewers to a game that promises plenty of rises and falls, and as he says, “doglapan” (double standards). A teaser for the show set the tone for what fans can expect—an intense, competitive environment where power and status are constantly shifting.
The ongoing drama between Ashneer Grover and Salman Khan seems far from over, and it will likely continue to stir the pot as Rise and Fall gains traction.