Veteran filmmaker and former Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) chief Pahlaj Nihalani has made a startling claim regarding actor Akshay Kumar's insistence on casting Kareena Kapoor in the 2003 film "Talaash: The Hunt Begins". Nihalani stated that Kumar wanted to star opposite a younger actress to make his own age appear less.
Speaking on the YouTube channel 'Learn From The Legend', Nihalani shared his thoughts on the rising entourage costs of actors and the increasing influence they wield in Bollywood. He expressed his disapproval of the growing demands and vanity within the industry. Nihalani revealed that Kumar's demand to cast Kapoor in "Talaash" was the first time an actor had interfered with casting in his career. He stated that Kumar told him, "We can start the movie tomorrow, and you can give me any amount that you want, but the heroine of this film will be Kareena Kapoor". Nihalani added that "Talaash" was one of the most expensive films of its time, costing ₹22 crore.
Nihalani said that earlier, producers and directors used to handle casting decisions without interference from actors. However, he noted that times have changed, with actors now dictating everything from the director to the actresses and technicians. He claimed, "Nowadays, it's all about the actor". When asked why Akshay wanted Kareena for the film, Nihalani responded that "Sometimes, as the actors grow old they want to star against younger actresses so that their own age looks less". He added, "That was the first time I heard that, but these days actors decide everything and producers work as a courier service".
Nihalani also criticized the excessive expenses incurred during filmmaking. He noted that where one person's job sufficed, now ten people are employed. He further added that actors now demand multiple vanity vans, one for exercise, one for kitchen and one for meetings. He also claimed that actors who once brought home-cooked food now want diet food in the morning and drugs at night.
Nihalani's statements have sparked discussion about the power dynamics within the Hindi film industry and the increasing influence of actors in filmmaking.
