Indian media has resurrected a fascinating and tense anecdote from the past, detailing an awkward encounter between “Hotmail” founder Sabeer Bhatia and actor Salman Khan over their shared interest in actress Aishwarya Rai.
According to reports, Bhatia had previously praised Aishwarya Rai in public and even expressed a desire to marry her during an interview.
The story unfolds at a high-profile party around 2001, a time when Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai were in a high-profile relationship. At the event, reportedly hosted by Simi Garewal, Salman Khan confronted Sabeer Bhatia.
With a “sarcastic smile,” Salman allegedly asked Bhatia directly, “So, you are the one who wants to marry Aish?”
Bhatia attempted to dismiss the tense question as a mere media rumor. However, Salman reportedly continued, stating, “She’s a good girl.”
The tension at the event escalated later. While Bhatia was posing for a photograph with another female guest, Salman Khan suddenly entered the frame, placing his arm near the woman. In the process, the cigarette Salman was holding allegedly touched Bhatia’s hand.
As Bhatia attempted to brush off the cigarette “ash,” Salman Khan delivered a sharp, double-meaning remark: “Oh! You finally got ‘Ash’ on your hands.” (Aishwarya’s nickname is “Ash”). According to the media reports, the comment left everyone in the room stunned.
