Veteran Bollywood actor Shakti Kapoor has publicly stated that his long-standing feud with superstar Salman Khan is now a thing of the past. In a recent podcast appearance, Kapoor claimed the two are on amicable terms, while also revealing a significant personal change—he has been sober for five years.
The Bigg Boss Fallout That Fueled the Feud
The tension between Shakti Kapoor and Salman Khan became glaringly public in 2011 during the fifth season of the reality show Bigg Boss, which was hosted by Khan. Kapoor, then a contestant, alleged that Salman and co-host Sanjay Dutt ignored him while greeting other housemates. The situation worsened when Salman reportedly made pointed remarks about Kapoor's presence on the show.
An evidently hurt Shakti Kapoor had then demanded an apology, telling The Times of India, "Salman Khan owes me an apology!" After his eviction, he took to social media to launch a scathing attack, calling the show a "fraud" and criticizing Salman Khan's personal life in now-deleted posts.
Burying the Hatchet After Nearly 15 Years
Now, nearly 15 years after their professional relationship first soured, Shakti Kapoor indicates the air has cleared. Speaking on The Powerful Humans podcast, he said, "Sab hello hello hai ache se", translating to everyone is on good, greeting terms. He added, "We are in good terms now. I do not have any issues with anybody."
The initial rift between the two actors, who shared screen space in films like Judwaa, Chal Mere Bhai, Hum Saath Saath Hain, and Hello Brother, reportedly began in 2005. This was following a major controversy where Shakti Kapoor was caught in a sting operation allegedly soliciting sexual favours.
A Personal Transformation and Industry Shift
During the same conversation, the actor opened up about his lifestyle, highlighting a major personal achievement. Shakti Kapoor revealed he has not consumed alcohol for the past five years. He contrasted the current Bollywood environment with the past, noting, "Now, the industry doesn't have drunkards. Most of them are health freaks. They are all bodybuilders and social drinkers. Earlier, several stars used to come to sets completely drunk."
Interestingly, Kapoor had previously stated that one reason for entering the Bigg Boss house was to prove to his children, including daughter Shraddha Kapoor, that he could stay away from alcohol for a month.
Salman's Bond with Shraddha Kapoor Endures
Despite the past difficulties with her father, Salman Khan's professional relationship with Shraddha Kapoor has remained warm. The actress frequently promotes her films on his television shows. Shraddha once shared that Salman had offered her a film when she was just 15 or 16 years old, which she declined to focus on her education, calling it a "fantastic opportunity" she found difficult to turn down.
While Shakti Kapoor has extended this olive branch, Salman Khan has never publicly commented on the reasons for their past estrangement or directly addressed Kapoor's recent statements. For now, it appears one of Bollywood's noted cold wars may finally have reached a thaw.
