Balance of Power Being Hijacked…”: Ashneer Grover’s Dig at Salman Khan Sparks Debate

In India’s ever-evolving landscape of celebrity influence, business rivalries, and social media commentary, former BharatPe co-founder Ashneer Grover once again finds himself in the spotlight. Known for his blunt remarks and no-holds-barred opinions, Grover recently triggered a fresh controversy by taking a dig at Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, using the phrase “Balance of power being hijacked…”.

The remark, shared across his social media, has ignited discussions that go beyond the entertainment industry, touching upon issues of influence, fairness, and the blurred lines between power and responsibility in India’s business and cultural ecosystem.

This article explores the context behind Grover’s statement, Salman Khan’s position as a celebrity-entrepreneur, the reactions it triggered, and what this feud symbolizes in India’s larger balance of power debate.

Who Is Ashneer Grover?

Before delving into the controversy, it’s essential to understand the man behind the words.

• Ashneer Grover rose to prominence as the outspoken co-founder of BharatPe, a fintech company that became a household name in India’s UPI and digital payments revolution.
• He gained even more recognition as a Shark Tank India judge, where his sharp remarks and fearless persona earned him both criticism and cult-like popularity.
• Since exiting BharatPe amid boardroom battles, Grover has consistently spoken his mind—whether on entrepreneurship, governance, or cultural issues.

His comments often become headlines because he represents a rare mix of corporate bluntness and celebrity-style influence in the Indian business world.

Salman Khan: The Bollywood Powerhouse

On the other side of the spectrum stands Salman Khan, one of India’s most bankable stars with a career spanning over three decades.

• Salman isn’t just an actor; he is a brand empire. His film releases create nationwide buzz, his NGO Being Human has a philanthropic reach, and his endorsements span industries from fitness to beverages.
• He has also entered the business ecosystem through production houses, investments, and associations with startups.

Salman’s clout in both cinema and business makes him a unique cultural icon—a blend of entertainment star power and entrepreneurial muscle.

The Remark: “Balance of Power Being Hijacked”

The controversy stems from Grover’s cryptic statement:

“Balance of power being hijacked…”

The remark, seen by many as a dig at Salman Khan, hinted at how celebrity endorsements and mega influence sometimes skew markets or sway public opinion unfairly.

Though Grover didn’t spell out the exact context, the timing of his comment came amidst growing chatter around Bollywood stars’ dominance in brand spaces traditionally associated with entrepreneurs and professionals.

Possible Context Behind the Comment

1. Celebrity Domination in Startups
   • In recent years, Bollywood stars including Salman Khan have actively endorsed or invested in startups.
   • From fashion and fitness brands to fintech ventures, celebrities often become the “face” of enterprises.
   • For entrepreneurs like Grover, who built their identity through hard work and disruption, this overreliance on star power may seem like an unfair balance.
2. Salman Khan’s Business Moves
   • Salman has collaborated with multiple startups in health, fitness, and tech.
   • His endorsements carry massive weight, sometimes overshadowing grassroots entrepreneurs.
   • Grover’s remark could be a critique of this trend, suggesting that power is being concentrated in the hands of celebrities rather than innovators.
3. The Larger Power Equation
   • In India, influence is currency—political clout, celebrity charm, and business capital often overlap.
   • Grover, by highlighting the “hijack,” might be warning against imbalances that marginalize smaller players.

Social Media Reactions

Unsurprisingly, Grover’s statement quickly became a talking point online:

• Supporters of Grover praised him for calling out an uncomfortable truth. They argued that the business world should not be dictated by celebrity endorsements but by innovation and fair competition.
• Fans of Salman Khan accused Grover of seeking attention and undermining a man who has worked tirelessly to build his brand and fan following.
• Neutral voices noted that both men are products of their industries—one of Bollywood stardom and the other of startup disruption—and clashes of perspective are inevitable.

Industry Experts Weigh In

On Celebrity Endorsements

Marketing experts argue that celebrities have always been integral to brand building. Salman Khan, with his loyal fan base, offers unparalleled visibility. However, over-dependence on celebrity influence can sometimes distort market realities.

On Grover’s Boldness

Business analysts point out that Grover thrives on controversy. By targeting a superstar like Salman, he ensures media attention and positions himself as a fearless challenger of status quo.

On the Balance of Power

Economists see this as part of a larger debate: who holds power in modern India—corporates, celebrities, or policymakers? Grover’s remark symbolizes the unease many feel about unequal influence.

Historical Parallels

This isn’t the first time a business leader has clashed with celebrity culture:

• In the US, Elon Musk often criticizes Hollywood’s elite influence, arguing that innovation should lead society, not stardom.
• In India, industrialists like Ratan Tata and Mukesh Ambani have also faced scrutiny when celebrity endorsements intersect with their ventures.

Grover’s remark fits into this global narrative of influence struggles.

Symbolism of the Feud

The clash between Ashneer Grover and Salman Khan is symbolic on multiple levels:

1. Startup vs Stardom
   • Grover represents disruptive entrepreneurship.
   • Salman symbolizes cultural stardom and mass appeal.
   • Their clash reflects India’s internal tug-of-war between merit-driven business and celebrity-driven influence.
2. Voice of the New India
   • Grover’s blunt tone appeals to a younger generation tired of hierarchies.
   • By contrast, Salman’s aura appeals to mass audiences who still trust star power.
3. Question of Fairness
   • The phrase “balance of power” raises concerns about whether influence is distributed fairly across sectors.

Public Memory of Grover’s Past Remarks

Grover has a history of outspoken comments:

• On Shark Tank India, he often clashed with entrepreneurs and fellow judges.
• He has criticized financial systems, corporate governance, and even startup valuation models.
• His blunt honesty makes him controversial but relatable.

Thus, his Salman remark is consistent with his personality—direct, confrontational, and headline-worthy.

Impact on Salman Khan

While Salman has not responded directly, his silence speaks volumes. Historically, Salman avoids controversies outside his films, preferring to let his box-office dominance and charity work do the talking.

However, such digs do raise questions about how celebrities balance their business clout with responsibility.