Bollywood has known several stars for several decades. However, over the last three decades, few names have shone as brightly as Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. The two superstars have not only dominated the silver screen but have also captured the hearts of millions with their films and charisma. Their friendship, camaraderie, and occasional rivalry have been the subject of much media attention over the years.
A throwback video of Salman Khan and SRK
Recently, a throwback video from a Filmfare awards night in the 90s surfaced in a Reddit post, offering a delightful glimpse into their dynamic and reminding fans of a time when stars were candid and unfiltered. The 90s was indeed an era when Bollywood stars were refreshingly outspoken, often sharing personal anecdotes and taking digs at each other in public forums.
Unlike today’s carefully curated appearances and rehearsed speeches, celebrities back then were more spontaneous and genuine, making award nights and interviews much more entertaining. This video of Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan from a Filmfare awards night perfectly encapsulates this era. In the clip, Shah Rukh Khan playfully accuses Salman Khan of having double standards when it comes to accepting awards.
SRK alludes to Salman Khan’s double standards
“He told me, with his clothes on for a change, Shahrukh, you know something, I am never going to accept awards.” said Shah Rukh in jest. Continuing while looking visibly exhausted after his performance and possibly a little inebriated, he continued, “Now you tell me, how did you accept this one? Ullu ke patthe (foolish one),” prompting laughter from the audience.
Salman, not one to back down, retorted, “Kisne bola tha ke main accept nahi karunga (who said that I will not accept)?” Shah Rukh quickly responded, “Tu hi bola tha mereko (you were the one who said that to me).” In his inimitable style, Salman replied, “Ab main hi bol raha hoon, ke maine kar liya (It is me again who is telling you that I did it). Jab tu woh maan sakta hai toh yeh kyun nahi? (When you can believe that, why can’t you believe this?)”
The playful (semi-playful?) banter continues
The banter continued with Shah Rukh addressing the industry’s double standards as a whole. “Guys, this one is for the double standards of the whole industry. I’ll tell you what.. We may be bad, we may be vulgar, we may drinking,” before Salman quickly pulled the microphone away, adding, “I am good and I am vulgar.”
This interaction, while humorous, also perhaps exposed underlying tensions in their friendship. Despite the playful tone, observers might point out that their banter hints at deeper issues and a rivalry. It is common knowledge in the Hindi film industry that in the early 2000s, the two superstars who were once very close to each other had a massive falling out. Things eventually did calm down, but their friendship has never quite been the same again.
All said, the video also highlighted the unique bond they shared—one that allowed for such candid and honest exchanges. Fans watching the video today can only dream of today’s stars being this unfiltered!