Poor Salman Khan. Even if he so much as lifts his finger, the media pounces on him with allegations that he is spoiling for a brawl. But it`s not the media guys alone. His brattish behaviour has had a variety of people running for cover - from spot boys tro directors. Two women in particular - arch-rivals Aishwarya Rai and Manisha Koirala - see red every time Salman`s name is mentioned.

The rotund Satish Kaushik can`t stop himself from laughing about stories of the hot-headed Khan slapping him on the sets. When the rumours originated, any phone call to the director`s office had only guffaws from him in response to such queries, while the Khan`s non-committal response sent ambiguous signals to the curious callers.

It eventually took only a one liner from Kaushik to refute the "baseless and malicious gossip" about them. "Salman and I have had no problems whatsoever," laughs Kaushik in his characteristic style.For once, the brawny actor with great biceps, whose `actions` speak more than anything else, has chosen to be silent, and is unavailable for comment. Is a silent metamorphosis in the offing?