Bollywood today is known for glamour, global success and massive box office numbers. But the industry once faced a far more dangerous reality behind the scenes. Choreographer and filmmaker Farah Khan recently spoke about that darker period while appearing on a podcast with Ranveer Allahbadia.
During the conversation, Farah recalled how the Hindi film industry in the 1990s was dealing with pressure from the underworld. She even shared a frightening memory from the premiere of Karan Johar’s iconic film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. According to Farah, the situation was so serious that the team had to consider cancelling the premiere after receiving threats.
Her revelations offer a rare look into a time when Bollywood was navigating not only creative challenges but also serious safety concerns.
Farah Khan Reflects on Bollywood’s Difficult Phase in the 1980s
Before talking about the underworld influence, Farah first spoke about the condition of Hindi cinema in the 1980s.
According to her, the decade was not a strong period for Bollywood. Many films struggled with quality and storytelling, which affected audience interest.
Farah said that when she was in college, most people in her circle preferred watching Hollywood films instead of Hindi movies. The reason was simple: audiences felt that international films offered better production quality and more engaging stories at the time.
She described the 1980s as one of the lowest phases for mainstream Hindi cinema. However, things slowly started changing as the industry entered the 1990s, when new filmmakers, actors and storytelling styles began to emerge.
But the transition also came with its own set of problems.
The Growing Influence of the Underworld in the 1990s
While Bollywood was trying to reinvent itself during the 1990s, it was also dealing with a troubling issue: the influence of the underworld.
Farah recalled how the industry often heard stories of threats and intimidation during that period.
She shared a memory from the early years of her career when news broke about film producer Mukesh Duggal being shot. Farah said she remembers being on a film set around 1993 or 1994 when people suddenly started talking about the incident.
The news spread quickly and created a sense of fear among those working in the industry. It was a reminder of how dangerous the environment around Bollywood had become during that time.
The incident shocked many people in the film fraternity and highlighted how closely the industry was being watched by criminal networks.
Were Bollywood’s Biggest Stars Also Targeted?
During the podcast, host Ranveer Allahbadia asked Farah a question that many fans have wondered about: were Bollywood’s biggest actors also pressured by the underworld during the 1990s?
Specifically, he asked whether Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Aamir Khan faced such pressure.
Farah confirmed that the influence did extend to major stars.
When asked directly whether the three Khans were pressurised by the underworld, she simply replied, “Yes.”
Her response suggests that even the biggest names in the industry were not completely immune to the challenges that Bollywood was facing at the time.
However, Farah clarified that she did not personally know about specific phone calls or direct threats made to the actors.
The Scary Incident During the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai Premiere
One of the most shocking moments Farah shared involved the premiere of Karan Johar’s film Kuch Kuch Hota Hai.
The film, which later became one of the most beloved romantic movies in Bollywood history, had a tense moment before its release.
Farah revealed that Karan Johar had reportedly received an underworld threat around the time of the premiere.
According to her, the atmosphere was extremely tense. Everyone involved with the film was discussing whether the premiere should be cancelled because of the potential risk.
Farah recalled that the situation felt very frightening at the time.
People were unsure whether it was safe to go ahead with the event or if it would be better to call it off. The uncertainty created panic among the team.
Despite the fear, the premiere eventually went ahead. The film went on to become a massive success and remains one of the most iconic Bollywood movies even today.
But Farah’s story reveals how stressful the situation behind the scenes actually was.
How Bollywood Slowly Changed Over the Years
The film industry has changed significantly since the 1990s.
Today, Bollywood operates with far more structure, transparency and security. Corporate studios, global investors and digital platforms have transformed the way films are financed and produced.
The influence that once troubled the industry has largely disappeared as stricter laws and better enforcement improved the situation.
Filmmakers and actors can now focus more on creativity rather than worrying about external pressures.
Farah’s memories serve as an important reminder of how far the industry has come.
Farah Khan’s New Chapter as a YouTube Creator
While Farah has spent decades working in films as a choreographer and director, she has recently found success on a completely different platform: YouTube.
In April 2024, she launched her own cooking vlog channel. The channel quickly gained popularity because of its fun format and relaxed conversations.
One of the most loved aspects of the channel is Farah’s chemistry with her longtime cook Dilip. Their humorous banter and simple cooking style have become a major highlight for viewers.
The show features Farah visiting the homes of celebrities or inviting them into her own kitchen. Together they cook dishes, share stories and talk about life in the film industry.
Celebrity Guests and Viral Popularity
The channel has already hosted several well-known Bollywood personalities.
Some of the guests who have appeared on the vlog include Kajol, Ajay Devgn, Malaika Arora, Chunky Panday, Riddhima Kapoor Sahni, Dhanashree Verma, comedian Munawar Faruqui and actor Shruti Haasan.
Fans enjoy seeing a more relaxed and candid side of these celebrities, far from the formal interviews usually seen on television.
The popularity of the channel has also made Dilip a fan favourite. Many viewers tune in not just for the recipes but for the entertaining conversations between him and Farah.
Within a short time, the YouTube channel has grown to nearly three million subscribers. Farah also continues to maintain a strong presence on social media, with millions of followers on Instagram.
Why Farah’s Stories About Bollywood Matter
Stories like the ones Farah shared are important because they reveal a side of Bollywood that most audiences rarely see.
While the film industry often appears glamorous from the outside, its journey has included many challenges over the decades.
The 1990s were a time of transformation for Hindi cinema. New stars were rising, storytelling was evolving and global audiences were starting to pay attention to Indian films.
At the same time, the industry was dealing with issues that threatened its stability and safety.
Farah’s memories remind us that Bollywood’s success today is the result of years of change, resilience and growth.
Final Thoughts
Farah Khan’s candid conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into Bollywood’s past.
From recalling the weak phase of the 1980s to sharing tense moments from the 1990s, her stories highlight how dramatically the industry has evolved over time.
The revelation about the underworld threat during the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai premiere is especially surprising, considering how beloved the film eventually became.
Today, Farah continues to entertain audiences in new ways through her digital content, proving that creativity can find success across many platforms.
But her reflections also ensure that an important chapter of Bollywood history is not forgotten.
