Farah Khan Lifts the Lid on Bollywood's Darkest Era: Khans Faced Underworld Pressure

Choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan recently opened up about the darker side of Bollywood during the 1990s, revealing the influence of the underworld on the film industry. Speaking on a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia, she recalled how top stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan faced pressure from criminal elements, and she recounted a frightening incident involving a threat to filmmaker Karan Johar during the premiere of Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.

Reflecting on the state of Hindi cinema, Farah described the 1980s as a low point for Bollywood, when many young audiences preferred Hollywood films over domestic productions. She said the 1990s brought a revival in creativity but also saw the increasing involvement of the underworld, making the industry environment perilous. Farah also recalled the shooting of producer Mukesh Duggal in the early 1990s, which underscored the dangers faced by those connected to the industry at the time.

During the podcast, Farah confirmed that the three Khans were indeed pressured by the underworld. She elaborated that while she could not confirm specific details about Shah Rukh Khan, she vividly remembered the threat received by Karan Johar around the premieres of Duplicate and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, which sparked discussions on whether the events should proceed amid safety concerns. The revelations highlight a turbulent chapter in Bollywood history when fame came with tangible risks.

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Today, Farah has shifted her focus to digital platforms, finding success with her YouTube cooking vlog launched in April 2024 alongside her long-time cook Dilip. The channel has amassed nearly three million subscribers and features candid conversations with celebrities such as Kajol, Ajay Devgn, and Malaika Arora, blending recipes with behind-the-scenes stories from the film industry. Farah’s humorous and relatable content has made the show a fan favourite while also shining a light on her engaging personality beyond the silver screen.

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