'Want diet food in morning and drugs at night': Famous Bollywood producer spills dark secrets about actors

Economic Times

6 days ago

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Pahlaj Nihalani about Akshay Kumar
About Pahlaj Nihalani
In a no-holds-barred interview, veteran producer and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani has sparked controversy by calling out the extravagant and, at times, toxic culture brewing in Bollywood today. Speaking on the Learn From The Legend podcast, Nihalani didn't mince words as he slammed the new-age celebrity lifestyle—from bloated entourage bills to the persistent drug culture lurking behind glamorous facades.He pointed out that where earlier one person was sufficient, actors today show up with teams of ten. Even newcomers insist on having their own make-up artist, hairdresser, someone to hold their mirror, and a personal fitness trainer—all paid for by the producer. He also criticised the demand for six separate vanity vans for things like working out, cooking, and holding meetings, calling it excessive and unnecessary.The producer also alleged that many actors today lead double lives—demanding clean, diet-specific meals during the day while indulging in substance use by night. He claimed that stars often submit inflated bills for basic services, with make-up expenses alone running into lakhs. When asked if drug culture still persists in the film industry, he responded without hesitation, stating that it's very much present and, in some cases, clearly visible in the behaviour and appearance of certain actors.Pahlaj Nihalani recently shared that during Talaash: The Hunt Begins... (2003), Akshay Kumar insisted on Kareena Kapoor as the female lead. Nihalani noted this was the first time in his career an actor made such a demand, overriding the traditional producer-director casting approach. He revealed that today, actors often control major decisions—from the cast to the director and crew. He also hinted at age-gap casting, suggesting older actors prefer younger heroines to appear younger on screen. Talaash, made on a Rs 22 crore budget, flopped at the box office upon its release.Pahlaj Nihalani is an Indian film producer and former chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC). He served as president of the Association of Pictures and TV Programme Producers for 29 years until 2009. Nihalani made his production debut with Haathkadi in 1982 and later launched actors like Govinda (Ilzaam, 1986) and Chunky Pandey (Aag Hi Aag, 1987). He produced several popular films including Shola Aur Shabnam and Aankhen. He made his directorial debut with Avatar in 2012 and last produced Rangeela Raja in 2019.