How Vivek Oberoi’s Clash With Salman Khan Altered His Destiny | Throwback Tales

In 2003, Bollywood buzzed with the news that Vivek Oberoi, then one of the brightest upcoming stars had publicly accused Salman Khan of making threatening calls to him. The dramatic showdown, sparked by the complicated love triangle involving Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, immediately turned headlines into a personal and professional battleground. What followed was nothing short of a career earthquake for Oberoi.At the time of the controversy, Oberoi’s trajectory looked unstoppable. With acclaimed performances in films like Company and Saathiya, the young actor had captured both critical and commercial success. But after his fateful press conference, doors began to close. Offers vanished, projects he had accepted were suddenly shelved, and many in the industry refused to work with him. 

“The success evaporated,” Vivek Oberoi later admitted, reflecting on how quickly his career ground to a halt. Producers and directors, possibly wary of fallout from the feud, kept their distance. The actor also disclosed how his family became targets of threats, “Calls threatening me, my sister, parents,” he said. Beyond the lost films and cancelled deals, the real damage was personal. In interviews, Oberoi has spoken about the emotional trauma and guilt he felt, especially when he saw the distress in his mother’s eyes. He recalled crying in her lap, haunted by the memory of better days and wondering “why me?” He described this period as a ‘trial by fire.’ Even when films such as Shootout at Lokhandwala offered him brief resurgences, the backlash persisted. Oberoi recalled earning respect for his craft but still being sidelined: good films alone were no longer enough. 

Meanwhile, years have passed since those darkest days. In recent interviews, Oberoi has admitted he no longer holds bitterness, though the pain of those times remains. He says he’s moved on, focusing on rebuilding both personally and professionally. Despite the fallout, Oberoi continued to act, working on projects over the years and diversifying into business ventures. While he may never reclaim the “next big star” label from the early 2000s, he has carved out a stable space for himself, even if that path has been more subdued. 

What Was The Controversy Between Vivek Oberoi And Salman Khan All About?

The Vivek Oberoi–Salman Khan story serves as a stark reminder of the imbalance between power, image, and talent in Bollywood. In an industry where influence and alliances often dictate opportunity, a single public confrontation can derail even the most promising careers. The incident exposed the ease with which a star’s reputation can overshadow talent, and how fragile success can be when confronted with controversy. In hindsight, many view the feud as more than a personal conflict. It was a cautionary tale about loyalty, silence, and the price of speaking out against powerful stars. Oberoi’s journey over the years underscores how, even after survival, the scars of scandals rarely fade completely.

Also Read: When Sonam Kapoor Stirred Controversy Over Calling 36-Year-Old Aishwarya Rai ‘Aunty From Another Generation’ | Throwback Tales

Where Things Stand Now?

Today, both men continue their separate journeys in the film world. Oberoi seldom revisits the old feud publicly, though he acknowledges it shaped much of his later life and career. Meanwhile, Salman Khan remains a powerhouse in Bollywood, his stardom unshaken by years. For fans and critics alike, the Oberoi–Khan saga remains one of the most dramatic and consequential conflicts in modern Bollywood history, a reminder of the heavy stakes that come with fame. Whether it will ever be fully resolved may remain uncertain. But the story remains forever etched in the annals of Bollywood’s most talked-about controversies.