Ashneer Grover Clears the Air on Bigg Boss 18: Apology to Salman Khan and Clarification on Brand Deal
Ashneer Grover Clears the Air on Bigg Boss 18: Apology to Salman Khan and Clarification on Brand Deal
Bengaluru: Ashneer Grover, the former co-founder of BharatPe, made headlines during his appearance on the latest episode of Bigg Boss 18 when he found himself in the midst of a confrontation with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. The heated exchange, which took place during the Weekend Ka Vaar segment on November 17, revolved around Grover’s previous comments about a brand collaboration deal involving Khan and his former company, BharatPe.
Grover’s Apology and Clarification
In the episode, Salman Khan confronted Grover regarding remarks he had made on a podcast last year, where the entrepreneur had discussed his role in negotiating Khan’s fee for a brand ambassadorship deal with BharatPe in 2019. Grover had revealed that he successfully reduced Salman Khan’s fee from Rs 7.5 crore to Rs 4.5 crore, comparing the negotiation to haggling for vegetables in a market. Additionally, Grover had mentioned that Khan’s team had denied him a photo opportunity with the actor during the deal-making process.
Khan, visibly surprised by the comments, clarified that he had never met Grover in person before and only became familiar with his name through the Bigg Boss team. This led to a tense moment on the show, with the Dabangg actor questioning the accuracy of Grover’s claims about their past interactions.
In response, Grover took to social media to clear the air. In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Grover apologized to Khan, praised him, and defended his earlier statements. Grover began his post with a light-hearted note about his fun experience on the show, adding that he was sure the episode had garnered significant viewership. He then provided a series of points to clarify his stance.
Setting the Record Straight
Grover addressed the controversy by reiterating his respect for Khan, stating that his comments about the actor were always positive. “Salman is a great host & actor,” Grover wrote, “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.” This message seemed to be a direct rebuttal to any insinuations that Grover had been disrespectful towards the actor.
The entrepreneur went on to provide more details regarding their past professional interactions, specifically the brand collaboration. Grover clarified that he and Khan had indeed met in May 2019 at the JW Marriott Juhu for a three-hour meeting, along with the director of the ad campaign. He also addressed the invitation to appear on Bigg Boss, asserting that it was not an “unnamed” invite, as suggested by some rumors. “The invite for coming as guest on Bigg Boss was not ‘unnamed’ – just like the cheque for the same,” Grover wrote.
The Photo and Final Apology
Grover also addressed the ongoing speculation about a photo with Salman Khan, which he had not previously shared. He concluded his post by revealing that he now had a picture with Khan, which he hadn’t posted earlier, adding a note of humor about the situation. “And finally, I’ve a pic with him – which I didn’t earlier,” Grover wrote, acknowledging that Khan may not remember their meeting from 2019 since he was not yet a public figure at the time.
Grover ended his message with a positive note of appreciation for Khan, saying, “Thanks @BeingSalmanKhan. Keep rocking!” The post seemed to be both an apology and a reaffirmation of Grover’s respect for the actor, as he sought to close the chapter on the controversy with a more amicable tone.
The Bigger Picture: Business and Celebrity Dynamics
The public exchange between Grover and Khan highlights the growing intersection between business and celebrity culture in India. As the co-founder of BharatPe, Grover’s dealings with high-profile figures like Salman Khan reflect the increasingly common practice of celebrities endorsing startups and brands. At the same time, the incident underscores the scrutiny that public figures, especially entrepreneurs like Grover, face when it comes to public statements and media appearances.
Salman Khan, who has long been a fixture in the Indian entertainment industry, often plays a key role in brand endorsements and promotional activities. Grover’s tweet serves as a reminder of how closely the worlds of Bollywood and business are intertwined, with high-profile collaborations sometimes leading to public confrontations and clarifications, especially when details are misrepresented or misunderstood.
Conclusion: Clearing the Air in the Public Eye
Ashneer Grover’s post after his appearance on Bigg Boss 18 was a significant moment in the ongoing narrative of his public image. The entrepreneur, known for his no-nonsense approach to business and media, took a direct route to address the issues raised during his confrontation with Salman Khan. By publicly apologizing and reaffirming his respect for Khan, Grover not only sought to clear the air but also demonstrated his commitment to transparency in both his personal and professional dealings.
As the episode continues to make waves in the media, it also serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between business, celebrity culture, and public relations in India today. With both Grover and Khan continuing to be prominent figures in their respective fields, the fallout from this brief confrontation will likely shape their public personas for some time.
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