The latest Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 18 delivered high-voltage drama as Salman Khan confronted BharatPe co-founder and Shark Tank India judge Ashneer Grover over controversial remarks made during a podcast. The unexpected showdown left the audience glued to their screens and sparked conversations online, with a clip of their exchange quickly going viral. Here’s a breakdown of the incident and why it matters.
Credits: Times of India
The Viral Moment: Salman Meets Ashneer
As Ashneer Grover walked onto the stage, Salman Khan greeted him with an edge. “Aacha aap ho (Oh, it’s you),” he said, referencing Ashneer’s iconic tagline, “Dogalapan” (double standards). Salman wasted no time diving into the controversy.
“You spoke saying that you have signed me. Sab figures bhi aapne galat bataye (You even mentioned the wrong figures). We never even met before, so what is this double standard?” Salman said, calling out Ashneer’s remarks.
Ashneer, visibly caught off guard, tried to attribute the statements to an external agency, but Salman wasn’t buying it. “There was no agency involved. My team doesn’t talk like this,” Salman retorted, further challenging the authenticity of Ashneer’s claims.
The Root of the Drama: What Ashneer Said
The controversy stemmed from Ashneer’s comments on the Vagehra Vagehra podcast last year. While discussing BharatPe’s partnership with Salman Khan as the brand ambassador, Ashneer claimed he had spent three hours briefing the actor about the brand. However, he alleged that Salman’s manager refused a photo opportunity, leading Ashneer to say, “Maine bola nahi khichwaunga photo, bhaad mein jaa tu, aisi kaunsi heropanti hogayi (I said fine, I won’t take a photo. Go to hell. Why so much attitude?).”
These statements did not sit well with Salman, who directly addressed the issue. “Your words gave the impression that you made us look like fools by signing us for a low amount. That was wrong,” Salman said, pointing out the exaggeration in Ashneer’s account.
Ashneer’s Attempt to Clarify
In an effort to defuse the tension, Ashneer explained that his words were misinterpreted. “I want to clarify, taking you as the brand ambassador was one of the smartest moves I made,” he said, attempting to soften the blow.
Salman, however, stood his ground, emphasizing the importance of professionalism. “Please clarify because the impression you gave was incorrect. When you are on TV, it’s fine to exaggerate a little, but don’t get personal. That’s what happened here,” Salman said.
He also reminded Ashneer that such overconfidence can backfire. “Your words might bite you back. It’s good to learn from this. Don’t try to be a hero by exaggerating or getting personal,” Salman added, delivering a lesson in humility and responsibility.
The Takeaway: Words Matter
This heated exchange serves as a reminder of the power of words and the responsibility that comes with public statements. While Ashneer has built a reputation for his blunt honesty and no-nonsense attitude, this incident highlighted the fine line between confidence and arrogance.
Salman’s advice to Ashneer resonates universally: be mindful of what you say, especially about others in their absence. Public figures, in particular, must navigate the complexities of communication carefully, as their words can easily be taken out of context or misinterpreted.
Social Media Buzz: Fans React
The confrontation has left fans divided. Some applauded Salman for standing up for himself and calling out Ashneer’s remarks, while others admired Ashneer’s efforts to clarify and take responsibility. The clip has sparked widespread discussions online, with many debating the nuances of professionalism, respect, and accountability in public discourse.
Credits: India Today
Final Thoughts: A Lesson for All
The Salman-Ashneer exchange is more than just reality TV drama—it’s a real-world lesson in integrity and respect. For professionals, entrepreneurs, and celebrities alike, it underscores the importance of being honest yet tactful in public forums.
As Salman aptly put it, “It’s a good learning.” Whether or not Ashneer takes this lesson to heart, this Bigg Boss moment will undoubtedly be remembered as a key highlight of the season.
