Producer Shailendra Singh Opens Up on Salman Khan's Rage and Bollywood Controversies
In a recent candid interview, film producer Shailendra Singh, renowned for backing acclaimed films like Page 3, Traffic Signal, Phir Milenge, and Firaaq, delved into his long-standing friendship with Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. He revisited the infamous Vivek Oberoi press conference controversy, shared insights into Salman's relationship with Aishwarya Rai, and revealed the incident that ultimately ended their close bond.
The Night Salman Khan Was Fuming Over Vivek Oberoi's Allegations
Shailendra Singh recounted visiting Salman Khan's house shortly after Vivek Oberoi's 2003 press conference, where Oberoi accused Khan of making 41 threat calls. "He was fuming," Shailendra said, describing Salman's intense anger. He noted that while Salman used to openly display his emotions, he now exercises greater control. Shailendra advised Salman to act rather than react, suggesting they sit back and let the situation unfold. "I asked him to not act on impulse, wait and fight the battle silently. I think he did that. He made sure that Vivek doesn't work in Bollywood anymore. I don't know for sure, but that's how it looks," he added, implying that the controversy significantly impacted Oberoi's career.
Shailendra Singh's Friendship with Salman Khan: From Cuffe Parade to Bollywood Parties
Shailendra revealed that his friendship with Salman Khan began long before either achieved fame, tracing back to Cuffe Parade where Salman visited his first girlfriend, Shaaheen Jaffery. He described Salman as "an awesome guy" but noted that "the company he keeps is strange." Reflecting on Salman's evolution, Shailendra said, "Salman is a tiger, but now he's tamed. He was born a tiger in the jungle, now he's a tiger in a zoo. Success makes you cautious, even fearful." For three years, they maintained a tradition of partying together every Monday night in Bandra, highlighting their close camaraderie during Salman's career peak.
How Salman Khan Saved the Film Phir Milenge
Shailendra also shared behind-the-scenes struggles of casting for Phir Milenge, a film about an AIDS patient. Director Revathy had approached nearly 30 actors, with Uday Chopra being the last to decline. With the project on the verge of collapse, Salman Khan agreed to take on the role, turning its fate around. "Revathy was ready to return the money and abandon the project until Salman stepped in," Shailendra recalled, underscoring Salman's pivotal role in the film's success.
Insights into Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai's Relationship
When questioned about Salman Khan's relationship with Aishwarya Rai, Shailendra described Salman as someone often in difficult circumstances. "Salman is a great guy, but always at the wrong place at the wrong time. He has a strange way of finding disaster," he remarked, alluding to the tumultuous nature of their past romance and its fallout.
The Incident That Ended Shailendra Singh's Friendship with Salman Khan
Shailendra opened up about the meeting that led to the end of his friendship with Salman Khan. He approached Salman for a commercial film titled Captain, expecting a private discussion due to their strong bond. However, Salman called several people into the meeting and insisted on an open conversation. "He told me to say it in front of everyone. I wanted to talk privately, but he refused. I felt deeply insulted," Shailendra said. He felt Salman treated their relationship casually, marking their last interaction and severing their long-standing friendship.
