Bollywood does not lack confrontation, whether it’s loud-made punches in film or bruising disagreements in the press. These dramatic confrontations, whether action or reaction, behind the camera, or in front, have intrigued the public, fueled gossip, and sometimes defined the careers of its stars. Here are the biggest clashes in Bollywood that broke much more than a heart.
1. Salman Khan vs Vivek Oberoi
In 2003, the clash between Salman and Vivek allegedly stemmed from an accusation from Vivek that Salman was making threatening phone calls to him after dating (and then breaking up) with Aishwarya. The incident was immediate; Vivek’s career slowed, and the public was kept entertained with speculation.
2. Shah Rukh Khan vs Salman Khan
The main feud: a brief confrontation at the birthday party of a mutual friend in 2008 resulted in both stars ignoring each other for years. The conflict split the camps in Bollywood, and the cold war continued until they later reconciled in public.
3. Hrithik Roshan vs Kangana Ranaut
Maybe the mother of all fights, in legal and emotional drama: Kangana accused Hrithik of hacking and cheating, and Hrithik, in turn, sent a legal notice. Emails were leaked, accusations were made, and Bollywood went on with it…not forgotten.
4. Raveena Tandon versus Shilpa Shetty
One of the most publicised rivalries of the ’90s, allegedly due to their romantic pasts. They were either calling each other out or taking turns at betrayal and rivalry. Thankfully, time was a salve to it all.
5. Kajol and Ajay Devgn versus Karan Johar
After the box-office clash of Ajay’s film with Karan’s production house, this rivalry heated up when Kajol called Karan out in public for allegedly sabotaging Ajay’s film, followed by some talk-show shenanigans.
6. Esha Deol versus Amrita Rao
One of the most epic behind-the-scenes stories: Esha reportedly slapped Amrita on set after some mean remarks about shoes, and she then later admitted it, saying she had no regrets – not a common admission in Bollywood.
7. Aamir Khan versus Shah Rukh Khan
The infamous cold war between the two Khans lasted many years without any overt signs – there was ongoing gossip about snubs, award shows, and creative competition, with fans speculating and anticipating.
8. Salman Khan versus Subhash Ghai
Back in 2001, the turbulent relationship between the actor and director spilled over, resulting in Salman publicly slapping Ghai, as elder members “Khans” had to mediate. A classic example of ego and bravado on set.
9. Farah Khan & Shirish Kunder vs. Shah Rukh Khan
A friendship that broke down at a party: a drunken punch, a relationship blown, and Farah’s camp accused Shah Rukh Khan at what seemed like an innocent time, allowing trouble for him to invade a feeble peace, nonetheless transforming a personal issue into front-page gossip for everyone else in a failure of diplomacy made worse after the fact.
10. Kangana Ranaut vs. Swara Bhasker & Taapsee Pannu.
Kangana’s incendiary thoughts on “outsider actresses” started the fire to which Swara and Taapsee reacted. The feud was amplified on social media, and for a while, the world watched closely as the factions of Bollywood unfolded on social media.
Public Entertainment or an Ego Crash: Which Will You Choose?
These Bollywood fights are not only good entertainment — they embody egos, power, competition and the family pressure of the glamorous world. In many cases, the feuds have been reconciled despite the notoriety, but the feud lives on in history, whether popularised or not. On screen or off, the drama continues to run its course.
