Digital News Guru Entertainment Desk:
In Bollywood’s long history of high-profile relationships, love triangles and public confrontations, the 2003 press conference involving actor Vivek Oberoi and superstar Salman Khan stands out as one of the most discussed flashpoints. Recently, veteran producer Shailendra Singh — known for films like Phir Milenge, Dhol and Page 3 — revisited that explosive moment in a detailed interview, shedding new light on how Salman Khan reacted in the aftermath and how the incident may have shaped the careers of both actors involved.
The Controversial Press Conference of 2003
The drama began more than two decades ago when Vivek Oberoi called a widely publicised press conference accusing Salman Khan of threatening him. The allegations stemmed from personal relationship dynamics — specifically issues related to Bollywood actress Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, with whom both actors were romantically linked at different points in time. During the press meet, Oberoi publicly stated that Salman had made unwelcome threats, a claim that quickly became a topic of intense media scrutiny and industry gossip.
At that time, Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were widely rumoured to be an on-and-off couple, with their relationship receiving relentless coverage in the tabloids. Oberoi’s press conference — held against this backdrop — turned into a lightning rod for debate, pitting two rising talents and one established superstar at the centre of a storm.
Producer Shailendra Singh’s Account
In his recent interview with media personality Siddharth Kannan, Shailendra Singh offered a firsthand account of Salman’s state of mind during that fraught period. Singh recounted that he was with Salman at his home when the press conference unfolded and initially watched Salman react in real time to the allegations. According to Singh, Salman was visibly “very angry” in the immediate aftermath.
Singh described the superstar’s reaction as visceral. “He was like, ‘What the hell?’,” the producer recalled, noting that younger Salman might have once expressed his emotions openly, but that maturity had taught him greater self-control by that stage in his career.
Rather than retaliating publicly, Singh said he advised Salman to stay calm and refrain from acting impulsively. He encouraged Salman to “act, not react” — to let the fallout play out on its own rather than feeding the media fire with his own statements. This counsel, Singh believes, shaped the way Salman navigated the controversy at the time.
Did It Affect Vivek Oberoi’s Career?
One of the most eye-catching aspects of Singh’s comments was his suggestion that Salman’s anger and the ensuing silence may have influenced Vivek Oberoi’s career trajectory. Singh said, “I think he did that. He made sure Vivek doesn’t work in Bollywood anymore. I don’t know for sure, but that’s how it looks.” Although framed as his impression rather than a definitive fact, the claim has reignited debate about the long-term impact of personal feuds on professional opportunities within the industry.
Indeed, Vivek Oberoi’s career did undergo significant changes following the incident. At one point a rising star with major roles and critical acclaim — including performances in films like Company and Saathiya — Oberoi’s mainstream Bollywood presence dwindled not long after the press conference. He has since acknowledged that this period was difficult for him professionally and personally.
In a past interview, Oberoi himself reflected on how his career dynamics shifted after the controversy, noting that powerful voices and industry pressures contributed to his reduced visibility in mainstream cinema. While he didn’t explicitly call out Salman, his comments referenced the broader challenges faced by actors who cross invisible industry lines.
A Broader Look at the Feud
The Salman–Oberoi friction didn’t occur in isolation — it was part of a larger narrative involving Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, whose early 2000s career and public life were intensely publicised. Salman and Aishwarya’s relationship, breakup and subsequent media scrutiny formed a backdrop to the confrontation between the two actors. Singh’s interview also touched on the personal tensions of that era, underscoring how intertwined personal and professional lives can become in Bollywood’s limelight.
While Singh’s commentary has brought renewed focus to a well-known chapter in Bollywood lore, it’s important to note that his perspective is anecdotal — based on his observations and friendships within the industry, rather than an official chronicle of events. As such, different voices in the industry and among fans continue to interpret the incident in varied ways.
Salman Khan’s Legacy and Current Projects
Despite the old controversy resurfacing in headlines today, Salman Khan remains one of Bollywood’s most enduring and bankable stars. Known for his roles in major franchises and massive fan followings, his career has largely thrived through ups and downs alike. As of early 2026, he has several high-profile projects lined up, including Battle of Galwan, a film set to release in April.
Vivek Oberoi’s Present and Future
On the other side, Vivek Oberoi has diversified his body of work in recent years, appearing in films across genres and continuing to act in both mainstream and digital productions. In 2026 he’s preparing for the release of Spirit, directed by Sandeep Reddy Vanga and starring alongside major names — a sign of his ongoing presence in the film industry.
Industry Reactions and Public Memory
Singh’s recent comments triggered fresh discussion among fans and industry watchers alike. For some, it’s a reminder of how powerful personalities and industry connections can shape careers; for others, it’s an example of how personal disputes become part of Bollywood’s collective narrative. While the truth behind behind-the-scenes decisions often remains known only to those involved, such revelations continue to fuel public fascination with the stories behind the movies.
Conclusion
The revival of the Salman Khan–Vivek Oberoi feud in media commentary underscores how moments from Bollywood’s past continue to resonate years later. Producer Shailendra Singh’s reflections offer one insider’s view of what happened in the heat of the moment and how it may have shaped the paths of two actors. Whether one sees Singh’s account as a definitive judgement or just another perspective, it highlights the enduring intersection of personal relationships, public images and career trajectories in India’s film industry — a dynamic that remains central to Bollywood’s global allure.
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