Salim Khan once commented on Salman Khan vs Vivek Oberoi controversy involving Aishwarya Rai. 'Fought over a stupid thing'

Veteran screenwriter Salim Khan has been under medical care at Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after reportedly undergoing surgery. The 90-year-old writer was admitted on February 17, 2026 and as per reports, the doctors have confirmed that he is stable but remains under observation. He was placed on ventilator support as a precautionary step following the procedure.

As news of his hospitalisation spread, his past interviews have resurfaced — especially those where he had spoken candidly about his son Salman Khan and the controversies that once surrounded him. One such interview, in which Salim addressed the feud between Salman and Vivek Oberoi over Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, has resurfaced online.

A Father’s Blunt Assessment

The Salman–Vivek controversy dates back to the early 2000s. After Salman and Aishwarya, who worked together in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, ended their relationship, reports linked Aishwarya to Vivek. In 2003, Vivek held a press conference alleging that Salman had made threatening calls to him. The episode became one of Bollywood’s most discussed conflicts at the time.


In an earlier interview with Zoom, Salim Khan had reflected on that period with unusual directness. Speaking about the emotional nature of the dispute, he said, “There is no logical or rational solution to emotional problems, and both Salman and Vivek have been emotional. Years later, they will realise that they fought over a stupid thing. Koi aur le gaya, koi aur chala and yeh wahi ke wahi hain.”

His remark was seen as both critical and practical. He appeared to suggest that while the two men were caught up in a public battle, life had moved on.

Speaking During Salman’s Difficult Phase

In the same interview, Salim had also spoken about Salman’s struggles at that time. He had said, “Salman will soon be out of the problems he is surrounded by. He is destined to. From 2009 onwards, times will change for the better for him. If Salman has to get married, it will happen in a year or two; otherwise, chances are bleak. While I love all my children equally the attention, right now, is on Salman because he is going through a difficult time in his life.”

Meanwhile, according to a report by The Indian Express, physician Dr. Jalil Parkar confirmed that Salim underwent surgery and is stable.