Mumbai: It’s one of Bollywood’s oldest mantras - let bygones be bygones. And on Sunday, actor Viveik Oberoi decided to do just that, when he made an impromptu gesture of seeking forgiveness from actor Salman Khan. But it seems it didn’t work!
After performing to the hit number Beedi Jalaile with Koena Mitra at the Rajiv Gandhi Awards function in Mumbai, Viveik turned towards Salman who was seated in the front row, folded his hands, then like an errant child bowed in front of him grabbing his ears in forgiveness.
Salman, for his part, was in no mood to forgive. Those present at the occasion say Salman just shook his head dismissively, and ignored not only Viveik’s gesture, but also Shilpa Shetty’s request to forgive him.
Shilpa was seated beside Salman in the front row. Both Salman and Shilpa received the Rajiv Gandhi Award for their contribution to cinema and entertainment.
Despite the snub from Salman, Viveik made it clear he was thrilled with the crowd’s reaction to his performance. "I have nothing but love and respect for my seniors who were present in the auditorium. They cheered me on, everyone was very supportive,” Viveik said.These diplomatic words aside, it is no secret that Salman and Viveik have been at loggerheads for the last five years. In April 2003, Viveik used the media to launch a verbal tirade against Salman for allegedly making repeated abusive calls to him.
Viveik alleged that Salman was insecure of Viveik's relationship with Aishwarya Rai. Although, Salman has never responded to Viveik's allegations, it is a well-known fact in Bollywood that Salman has been nursing a grudge against Viveik since that day.
After Aishwarya dumped Viveik for Abhishek Bachchan two years ago, Viveik made repeated attempts to make amends with Salman.
He even visited Salman's ailing mother in hospital with his parents, and has repeatedly said in interviews that he looks back at his behaviour with regret and remorse. But Salman has always had the last word. When asked to comment on Viveik, Salman has always responded with the very innocent, but very telling response, " Viveik who?"
