Over two decades later, one of Bollywood’s most explosive behind-the-scenes dramas is back in the spotlight. In a startling revelation, producer and close confidant Shailendra Singh has disclosed that Salman Khan was absolutely furious following Vivek Oberoi’s controversial 2003 press conference—an event tied to actress Aishwarya Rai. The fallout, Singh suggests, wasn’t just emotional—it may have reshaped careers. But what really happened? And is there truth to the long-standing rumors that Salman ensured Oberoi’s stardom stalled?
Table of Contents
- The Infamous 2003 Press Conference
- Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi Feud Escalates
- Shailendra Singh’s Revelation: Advice and Aftermath
- Did Salman Khan Really Stall Vivek Oberoi’s Career?
- The Human Side of Salman Khan
- Conclusion
- Sources
The Infamous 2003 Press Conference
In early 2003, tensions between Bollywood’s biggest star, Salman Khan, and rising heartthrob Vivek Oberoi reached a boiling point. The trigger? A very public romantic triangle involving Aishwarya Rai Bachchan—then fresh off her breakup with Salman and reportedly dating Oberoi.
Oberoi held a press conference where he openly discussed his relationship with Rai, indirectly referencing conflicts with Salman. While he didn’t name Khan outright, the subtext was unmistakable. Media outlets at the time widely interpreted it as a direct challenge to Salman’s dominance—a rare act of defiance in an industry where crossing him was considered career suicide [[4]].
Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi Feud Escalates
The Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi feud didn’t start or end with that press conference—but it became the flashpoint. Prior to 2003, Oberoi was riding high on the success of films like Company (2002) and Saathiya (2002). He was being hailed as the “next big thing,” even earning a Filmfare Best Debut Award.
But shortly after the press conference, his trajectory changed dramatically. Major film offers dried up. Projects stalled. Co-stars and directors grew hesitant. Industry whispers pointed to Salman’s influence—a claim now given new weight by Shailendra Singh’s recent comments [[1]].
Shailendra Singh’s Revelation: Advice and Aftermath
In a candid conversation reported by the Times of India, producer Shailendra Singh—who launched Salman in Patthar Ke Phool (1991)—revealed that Salman was “fuming” after Oberoi’s press conference [[1]].
“He was extremely upset,” Singh said. “But I told him, ‘Don’t react. Act.’”
That distinction—between reacting emotionally and acting strategically—is key. Singh implies that Salman took this advice to heart. Rather than lash out publicly, he allegedly used his clout within the industry to ensure Oberoi faced professional consequences. Whether through direct intervention or subtle pressure, the result, according to insiders, was a noticeable decline in Oberoi’s opportunities post-2003 [[6]].
Did Salman Khan Really Stall Vivek Oberoi’s Career?
This is where fact, rumor, and perception blur. Let’s look at the evidence:
- Career Trajectory: From 2004 onward, Oberoi’s film choices yielded diminishing returns. While he starred in movies like Rakht and Kanchi, none matched his early promise.
- Industry Dynamics: Bollywood has long operated on networks of loyalty and influence. As one of the “Three Khans,” Salman commands immense sway over producers, directors, and casting decisions [[8]].
- Oberoi’s Own Reflections: In later interviews, Oberoi admitted he “paid a heavy price” for speaking out but stopped short of directly blaming Salman [[9]].
Still, no concrete proof exists of a coordinated campaign. Some argue Oberoi’s career dip was due to poor script choices or shifting audience tastes—not vendettas. Yet, the timing remains suspicious to many observers.
The Human Side of Salman Khan
Amid the controversy, Shailendra Singh also offered a more nuanced portrait of Salman. “He’s actually a very good-hearted person,” Singh emphasized, noting that Salman often finds himself “caught in unfortunate circumstances” beyond his control [[1]].
This duality—charismatic philanthropist vs. feared industry enforcer—is central to Salman’s complex legacy. His annual Being Human initiatives and support for struggling actors paint one picture; stories like the Oberoi incident paint another. Reconciling these sides is part of understanding Bollywood’s power structures.
For more on celebrity influence in Indian cinema, see our deep dive on [INTERNAL_LINK:bollywood-power-dynamics].
Conclusion
The Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi feud remains one of Bollywood’s most enduring cautionary tales. Shailendra Singh’s recent revelation adds credibility to long-circulating rumors about industry retaliation, while also humanizing a star often reduced to headlines. Whether or not Salman actively engineered Oberoi’s decline may never be proven—but the story underscores a harsh reality: in Bollywood, words can cost you your career. As fans and critics revisit this chapter, one thing is clear: the stakes in Tinseltown are always higher than they appear.
Sources
- [[1]] Times of India: “Salman Khan was fuming after Vivek Oberoi’s press conference,” reveals actor’s friend and producer
- [[4]] India Today: The rise and fall of Vivek Oberoi – a timeline
- [[6]] Hindustan Times: Inside the Salman Khan-Vivek Oberoi rift
- [[8]] BBC News: The Power of the Khans in Bollywood
- [[9]] Filmfare: Vivek Oberoi on his career challenges and lessons learned