Film-maker Pahlaj Nihalini is well-known for expressing his views candidly. In a recent interview, Nihalini criticized the escalating expenses associated with the entourages of actors. He disclosed the various demands that actors make. Furthermore, he mentioned that in the past, leading men did not involve themselves in the selection of leading ladies, a practice that began with Akshay Kumar, who recommended Kareena Kapoor for his film ‘Talaash’.
Akshay was adamant about casting Kareena Kapoor, stating: “We can commence filming tomorrow, and you may offer me any sum you desire, but the lead actress of this film will be Kareena Kapoor.” Nihalani remarked that this was unprecedented in his extensive career—an actor, instead of a producer or director, was influencing casting choices. At that moment, Talaash was among the priciest films in Bollywood (₹22 crore), and Nihalani was taken aback by Akshay’s confidence.
He also contemplated the transformation of the power dynamics within Bollywood, noting that contemporary stars frequently exert influence not only over casting decisions but also regarding the selection of directors, while producers have increasingly taken on the role of merely executing the actors’ demands. He remarked that nowadays, the actor has complete control over all aspects of the film, from the choice of director to the selection of actresses and technicians. “These days, it is essentially a complete racket. Everything revolves around the actor now.”
When inquired about Akshay’s preference for Kareena in the film, he stated, “As actors age, they often prefer to perform alongside younger actresses to appear younger themselves.”
Overall, Nihalani’s revelation highlights Akshay Kumar’s early instance of on-set influence, marking a turning point in how actors’ clout began shaping Bollywood production at the time.
Also Read: Priyanka Chopra and Akshay Kumar: A Look Back at Their Rumored Relationship
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