In a dramatic twist to television entertainment meets business controversy, former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover has defended his position following a tense confrontation with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan on Bigg Boss 18, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of celebrity endorsements and startup culture.
When Salman Khan schools Ashneer Grover in Bigg Boss 18
The controversy, which played out during the show’s Weekend Ka Vaar episode on November 17, saw Salman Khan directly challenging Grover over claims made in a previous podcast about a 2019 brand ambassador negotiation. The confrontation centred on Grover’s controversial statement comparing negotiating Khan’s fee reduction from Rs 7.5 crore to Rs 4.5 crore to “haggling for vegetables.”
“I came across a video of yours in which you were seen making some claims and shooting some figures that you signed me by giving a certain amount; all of that is not true,” Salman Khan stated during the episode. “The way you’re talking to me now, this was not your attitude when you were speaking about me in the video clip of yours.”
Here’s what Ashneer Grover said about controversial episode:
Following the televised exchange, Grover took to X (formerly Twitter) with a strategic response, combining diplomacy with defence. “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,” he wrote, before methodically listing his version of events.
The entrepreneur maintained his position while praising Khan: “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.”
What was Salman Khan vs Ashneer Grover all about?
Grover also provided specific details about the alleged 2019 meeting, stating it occurred at JW Marriott Juhu and lasted three hours while acknowledging that the actor might not remember him as “I was not a public figure then.”
The episode highlighted the complex dynamics between celebrity endorsements and startup culture, with Grover’s initial podcast comments about negotiating with Salman Khan’s team making waves in both entertainment and business circles.
Yippie! Now Grover has finally a pic with Salman
The controversy reached its resolution with Grover posting a photo with Khan – a pointed response to his earlier claim that Khan’s team had denied him such an opportunity. “And finally I’ve a pic with him – which I didn’t earlier,” he noted, concluding with a cordial “Thanks @BeingSalmanKhan Keep rocking!”
The episode continues to air on Colors TV and streams on JioCinema, serving as a reminder of how entertainment, business, and social media intersect in today’s digital age.
