# Bollywood's Epic Rivalry That Never Was: Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan's Unexpected Hug **Imagine a room frozen in anticipation, whispers of punches flying, as Bollywood's king meets the new challenger.** That's exactly what happened one tense night at Olive Bar and Kitchen, shattering the explosive **Shah Rukh Khan-Hrithik Roshan rivalry rumors** that gripped the industry.[1][2] Back in the early 2000s, Hrithik Roshan exploded onto the scene with his debut *Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai*, co-starring Ameesha Patel, becoming an overnight sensation as Bollywood entered the 21st century.[1][2] Media frenzy painted **Shah Rukh Khan**, the undisputed superstar, as threatened by this "new king." Headlines buzzed with tales of tension, showdowns, and even fistfights—everyone from fans to producers braced for a clash of titans.[1][2][3] Restaurateur AD Singh, owner of Olive Bar and Kitchen, shared the real story in an interview with *Outlook Traveller*. One evening, Shah Rukh was dining when Hrithik walked in. "The media was making a big thing about the antagonism... They were saying they were going to come to punches," Singh recalled. The restaurant held its breath as Hrithik approached—expecting Shah Rukh to say, "Get out," or worse.[1][2] But instead? Shah Rukh stood up, and the two shared a warm **hug** that flipped the mood instantly. No drama, no rivalry—just mutual respect. Singh noted how this moment debunked the hype, proving the stars above petty gossip.[1][2] Shah Rukh himself addressed the rumors in Anupama Chopra's book *King of Bollywood*, calling it "shameless" how media fixated on it, ignoring his decade of hard work. "You can't suddenly tell me one morning, 'Hey, you're displaced,'" he said, highlighting the unnecessary pressure.[2] This anecdote reminds us: Bollywood rumors often hide genuine camaraderie.
Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, at a podcast launch (Public domain image via Wikimedia Commons).
Citations
1.https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hindi/bollywood/news/shah-rukh-khanhrithik-roshan-rivalry-rumours-everyone-braced-themselves-for-confrontation-but-what-happened-recalls-restaurateur/articleshow/127825610.cms
2.https://www.news18.com/movies/bollywood/people-were-expecting-restaurateur-recalls-hrithik-roshan-and-shah-rukh-khans-encounter-during-rivalry-days-ws-l-9870190.html
3.https://srkuniverse.tripod.com/clashofthetitans.html
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