The Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi Controversy: What Really Happened After the 2003 Press Conference
The Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi controversy from 2003 remains one of Bollywood’s most discussed industry clashes. Recently, producer Shailendra Singh said that after Vivek Oberoi held a dramatic press conference about his fallout with Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan, the superstar allegedly made it difficult for Oberoi to get mainstream work in Bollywood.
This renewed discussion brings one of the most talked-about controversies back into view — not just as gossip but as an event that influenced careers and industry dynamics.
🎤 Behind the Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi Controversy
In April 2003, Vivek Oberoi held a widely covered press conference claiming that Salman Khan made threatening calls following Oberoi’s relationship with Aishwarya Rai after her breakup with Khan. This made headlines across India, igniting a firestorm that swept through media, fans, and industry insiders.
Producer Shailendra Singh recalls watching the press meet and seeing Salman Khan’s visible anger. According to Singh, instead of a direct public rebuttal, Salman chose a quieter approach: using his influence inside the industry to ensure Vivek Oberoi had fewer opportunities in mainstream films after the controversy.
📉 Career Impact on Vivek Oberoi
Before the controversy, Vivek Oberoi was one of Hindi cinema’s most promising rising stars, with acclaimed performances in movies like Company and Saathiya. But after the press conference, he noticed a sudden slowdown. Offers from top filmmakers dried up, and roles became less frequent.
Singh suggests this wasn’t coincidence. Whether intentional or not, the industry began to treat Oberoi differently, which created a gap in his career that lasted years. Even Oberoi himself has said in interviews that the event affected him deeply — both professionally and emotionally.
🔄 Where They Are Now
Years later, both actors have moved forward in different ways. Salman Khan continued as one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, while Vivek Oberoi diversified into business ventures and selective film roles. Both men have spoken about their past, though neither fully revisited the controversy in detail.
The Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi controversy serves as a reminder of how public disputes in Bollywood can have long-term effects on careers, reputations, and industry relationships.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi controversy?
The Salman Khan Vivek Oberoi controversy began in 2003 when Oberoi accused Salman Khan of threatening calls after Oberoi’s relationship with Aishwarya Rai. It became a major media topic in India.
Q2. Did Salman Khan actually block Vivek Oberoi’s Bollywood career?
Producer Shailendra Singh claims that Salman Khan’s influence made it harder for Vivek Oberoi to get mainstream roles after the press meet, though this hasn’t been officially confirmed.
Q3. What was the 2003 press conference about?
Vivek Oberoi publicly alleged that Salman Khan reacted angrily and made threatening phone calls after Oberoi dated Aishwarya Rai post-her breakup with Khan.
Q4. Did this affect Vivek Oberoi’s film roles?
Yes, after the controversy, Oberoi’s career momentum slowed dramatically. He had fewer big film roles and moved toward different projects.
Q5. How did Salman Khan react publicly?
Salman Khan did not respond directly to the press conference at the time but continued his career without major interruption.
Q6. Are both actors still active in Bollywood?
Yes. Salman Khan remains one of Bollywood’s biggest stars, and Vivek Oberoi continues to act selectively while also working on business ventures.
1 thought on “Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi Fallout: Producer Claims Career Blockage After 2003 Press Conference”