The late 1990s witnessed one of Bollywood's most explosive love triangles that nearly turned physical when tech billionaire Sabeer Bhatia found himself in Salman Khan's crosshairs.
The Silicon Valley Meets Bollywood Connection
Hotmail founder Sabeer Bhatia, fresh from his monumental $400 million deal with Microsoft, had become the toast of the tech world. During this period, he crossed paths with the ethereal Aishwarya Rai, then at the peak of her beauty queen fame and emerging Bollywood career.
What began as casual meetings soon evolved into regular interactions that caught the attention of the media and, more importantly, Aishwarya's then-boyfriend Salman Khan.
The Explosive Confrontation
According to insider accounts, Salman Khan discovered that Aishwarya was meeting with the tech mogul and immediately confronted the situation head-on. The Bollywood bad boy tracked down Bhatia and delivered a stern warning that reverberated through celebrity circles.
"Stay away from Aishwarya," Khan reportedly thundered at the Hotmail founder, making his territorial claims abundantly clear. The confrontation was so intense that it left no doubt about Khan's possessive nature toward the actress.
The Aftermath and Industry Reactions
This dramatic episode occurred during the tumultuous period of Salman and Aishwarya's relationship, which was already making headlines for its volatility. The Bhatia incident added fuel to the fire, demonstrating how fiercely protective Salman could be of his personal relationships.
Industry insiders recall how this confrontation became talking point at Bollywood parties and film sets, with many surprised that the sophisticated tech entrepreneur had found himself entangled in such a dramatic personal conflict.
Legacy of Bollywood's Most Talked-About Romance
This incident remains one of the most revealing moments in Bollywood's relationship history, showcasing:
- The intense nature of Salman and Aishwarya's relationship
- How external interests could trigger explosive reactions
- The intersection of tech celebrity and Bollywood stardom
- The media's fascination with the couple's every move
While Sabeer Bhatia eventually moved on from the controversy, this episode remains etched in Bollywood folklore as a testament to the passions that defined one of Indian cinema's most discussed relationships.
