Shah Rukh Khan–Hrithik Roshan rivalry rumours: ‘Everyone braced themselves for confrontation but what happened...,’ recalls restaurateur

Hrithik Roshan became an overnight sensation with his debut film Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, co-starring Ameesha Patel. As the industry stepped into the 21st century, Hrithik’s meteoric rise sparked intense chatter, including rumours that Shah Rukh Khan, then Bollywood’s undisputed superstar, felt threatened by the newcomer’s sudden stardom. Stories of rivalry and tension between the two actors dominated headlines, fuelling speculation of an industry showdown.

Years later, restaurateur AD Singh revisited that phase and recalled witnessing a moment that told a very different story altogether at his restaurant, Olive Bar and Kitchen.

‘The media was making a big thing about the antagonism’

Speaking to Outlook Traveller, Singh shared how the narrative of conflict had reached fever pitch at the time.

“Hrithik had burst upon the scene, he was very big with that first movie, and the media was really making a big thing about the antagonism and fighting between him and Shah Rukh. Shah Rukh, the resident king, and the new king, you know, all that stuff. They were saying they were going to come to punches, and all that was going on.”

Singh recalled one particular evening when Shah Rukh Khan was dining at the restaurant and Hrithik Roshan unexpectedly walked in, instantly heightening the tension in the room.

A hug that changed the mood in the room

Describing the moment both actors came face to face, Singh said everyone present braced themselves for confrontation.

“Hrithik started walking in, and Shah Rukh got up. The whole restaurant held its breath because we didn’t know what was going to happen. Most people were expecting some sort of punch-up, or maybe Shah Rukh would say, ‘Hrithik, get out,’ or something like that.”




What followed, however, was far from the dramatic clash many anticipated.

“But what happened was much nicer. Shah Rukh went over, and the two of them hugged each other. Shah Rukh said very kind words to him about how successful he was, and Hrithik reciprocated.”



The unexpected warmth between the two stars left onlookers relieved and reflective. Singh summed up the moment by saying, “It was a very nice moment.”Get the latest entertainment updates from the Times of India, along with the latest Hindi movies, upcoming Hindi movies in 2026 , and Telugu movies.”