Shah Rukh Khan Discusses Mafia's Impact on Bollywood
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Synopsis
In a recently surfaced video, Shah Rukh Khan reveals the troubling influence of the Mafia on Bollywood. He shares personal experiences of threats and coercion within the film industry, discussing how the underworld sought to manipulate film production and the subsequent changes that have shifted the industry's dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Shah Rukh Khan's insights on mafia influence.
- Historical context of Bollywood's challenges with the underworld.
- The transition to official industry status in 1998.
- The impact of mafia financing on film production.
- Bollywood's significant contribution to state taxes.
Mumbai, Jan 13 (NationPress) The Hindi film industry stands as the most productive film industry globally, significantly contributing to India's soft power and fostering economic advancement. Nonetheless, the past was not entirely positive, as the Mafia and the underworld once loomed ominously over Bollywood.
An archival video featuring Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan has emerged on social media, showcasing his reflections on his encounters with this dark realm.
In the video, he stated, “The Hindi film industry is currently the most straightforward industry to infiltrate. We lead the world in film production. Consequently, the mafia would finance a film and insist, ‘I want you in my film.’ They attempt to support a project and develop a product. They would have four or five of their associates present and suggest, ‘Alright Shah Rukh, you must take this film, or X hero must take this film, or X actress must be involved.’ When I would inquire, ‘Who is the producer?’ they would respond, ‘It's alright, this is the person we are sending; you can converse with him and finalize the film.’”
He elaborated, “If you are fearful for your life, you sign it; otherwise, you decline if you are willing to take risks.”
When questioned about whether he had ever felt threatened, he affirmed, “Oh, yes, I have experienced that on numerous occasions. However, you either choose to have considerable security, as I did for three years with police protection.”
In 1998, Bollywood, or the Hindi film industry, officially received industry status. Sushma Swaraj, who was the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting under the Atal Bihari Vajpayee-led government, conferred 'industry status' to film production, thereby legitimizing the industry and qualifying it for loans from financial institutions.
This decision curtailed exorbitant interest rates and dubious monetary sources, including various businessmen, builders, jewelers, traders, and the underworld. Since then, the influence of the underworld on Bollywood has shown a downward trend, with cash flows from the film business constituting a substantial portion of state taxes, as Bollywood remains one of the largest tax contributors to the Republic of India.
