Ashneer Grover shares Bigg Boss 19 wildcard email invite. Warns Salman Khan team member's job is going

Entrepreneur Ashneer Grover, best known as a former judge on Shark Tank India, recently revealed that he was approached by the casting team of Bigg Boss Season 19. According to Grover, an email from one of the show’s senior casting coordinators offered him a chance to enter the reality show as a “wildcard contestant.” The subject line of the email reportedly read, Casting Invitation for Bigg Boss Season 19 – Wildcard Entry.

Grover shared the email publicly on his social media, adding a humorous response in which he mentioned actor Salman Khan, the long-time host of the program. He joked that the team should confirm with Salman before finalizing anything, while also poking fun at the “mail merge” method used for bulk invitations, suggesting it might eventually cost someone their job.

Praise in the Casting Email

As per the email that Grover disclosed, the casting team described him as someone with a dynamic persona, a strong digital footprint, and a distinctive presence that could add energy to the reality show. The invitation positioned his participation as an “exclusive opportunity” designed to enhance the entertainment quotient of the upcoming season. By sharing the exchange online, Grover once again demonstrated his trademark wit and candid communication style that has earned him both admirers and critics.

He shared a screenshot of the email and caustically remarked. “Haha! Salman bhai se pooch le!! Mai to free ho jaaunga tab tak,” and “Yeh 'mail merge' kisi ki to naukri khayega.” Mail merge is a feature for sending bulk emails. (Ask Salman Bhai! I will be free by then! This mail merge will destroy many jobs!)


Past Tensions with Salman Khan

This development comes against the backdrop of a strained history between Grover and Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. In an earlier interview, Grover recounted an unpleasant experience during an advertisement shoot where Khan was the face of a campaign. Grover explained that although he had spent several hours briefing the actor about the company behind the ad, he was told by Khan’s manager not to request a photograph, since the actor was uncomfortable with such interactions. Grover claimed he walked away offended, remarking that the incident reflected unnecessary arrogance.

Face-Off on Bigg Boss Stage

Interestingly, Grover later appeared on Bigg Boss Season 18, where Salman Khan confronted him about his earlier statements. As per on-air footage, Salman opened the conversation by referencing Grover’s well-known phrase “dogalapan,” which loosely translates to hypocrisy or double standards. Grover acknowledged that the label had become associated with him but maintained his composure during the exchange.

Salman questioned Grover about remarks made on a podcast in which Grover had suggested that Khan had been signed as a brand ambassador under certain terms, even quoting specific figures. Khan countered that he had never personally met Grover during the process, insisting that such details were inaccurate and pointing out that Grover’s comments created an impression of inconsistency.

Clarification and Resolution

Grover, standing firm, explained that an external agency was involved in the endorsement process and that his words in the podcast were misunderstood. Salman, however, insisted that his own team had handled the matter directly, contradicting Grover’s version. The exchange ended with Salman remarking that Grover’s confident demeanor on the show was quite different from what he had observed during the earlier collaboration. Grover attempted to clarify that there was no intent to misrepresent facts, which drew a final lighthearted response from Salman, suggesting that his current attitude seemed acceptable.

This entire episode illustrates Grover’s ongoing mix of controversy and candor—whether through reality TV, corporate boardrooms, or social media, he continues to generate conversations that blur the line between business and entertainment.