Akshay's Shocking Demand for Kareena in Talaash!

In a candid revelation that has sent ripples through Bollywood, veteran filmmaker and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani has shed light on a surprising demand made by superstar Akshay Kumar during the casting of their 2002 film, Talaash: The Hunt Begins.... Nihalani claims that Akshay Kumar unequivocally insisted on Kareena Kapoor Khan as his leading lady, a move he described as unprecedented in his long career.

 

Speaking on the podcast "Learning With The Legend," Nihalani expressed his astonishment at the demand, highlighting a significant shift in the industry's power dynamics. "Earlier, producers and directors used to cast and heroes wouldn't interfere in casting," Nihalani stated. "The first actor to interfere in casting with me was Akshay Kumar in Talaash in 2002."

 

 

"Pay Me What You Want, But the Heroine Will Be Kareena Kapoor"

 

According to Nihalani, Akshay Kumar's insistence was absolute. The actor reportedly told the producer, "'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.'"

 

This firm stance from a leading actor was a first for Nihalani, especially considering Talaash was a big-budget film for its time, produced at a cost of approximately ₹22 crore.

 

 

The "Shocking Truth": Why the Demand for a Younger Co-star?

 

When pressed for the reason behind Akshay Kumar's specific demand for Kareena Kapoor, Nihalani revealed what he termed a common, yet often unacknowledged, industry phenomenon:

 

"Sometimes, as the actors grow old they want to star against younger actresses so that their own age looks less," Nihalani disclosed. This sentiment suggests that the casting decision might have been strategically motivated to project a younger image for Akshay Kumar on screen, a practice that has been observed with several male actors in the industry over the years.

 

 

A Reflection of Changing Industry Dynamics

 

Nihalani's revelation goes beyond a mere anecdote; it underscores a significant transformation in the functioning of the Bollywood industry. He lamented that the power has largely shifted from producers and directors to actors, who now often dictate everything from casting choices to technicians and even directors.

 

"Aajkal toh yeh pura racket hai. Aaj kal sab kuch actor ka hi hai," Nihalani remarked, emphasizing how actors have gained immense control over film productions in contemporary times. He also criticized the escalating "entourage costs" and lavish demands made by actors, from multiple vanity vans to specific dietary requirements and even alleged drug use.

 

 

The Impact on Talaash (2002)

 

Despite the casting demands, Talaash: The Hunt Begins..., directed by Suneel Darshan and starring Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor, released in 2003. The film, an action thriller, did not fare well at the box office and received generally negative reviews.

 

However, Nihalani's recent candidness offers a rare glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decision-making processes and the evolving landscape of power and influence within the Indian film industry. It highlights how factors beyond just artistic merit can sometimes shape casting choices in big-budget productions.

 

 

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