In a revealing episode of The Ranveer Show on Saturday, March 14, 2026, filmmaker-choreographer Farah Khan opened up about the “darkest era” of Bollywood. She detailed how the underworld’s shadow loomed over the industry in the 1990s, specifically recalling a harrowing incident involving Karan Johar during the release of his debut film.
Farah also touched upon the industry’s perception in the 1980s and the immense pressure faced by the biggest superstars of that time.
Underworld Threats: Karan Johar & The Khans
Farah recalled the high-tension atmosphere surrounding the premieres of Duplicate and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai (1998):
- The Threat to KJo: Karan Johar received a direct threat from the underworld just before the Kuch Kuch Hota Hai premiere. Farah described the situation as “very scary,” noting that the team held serious discussions about whether to cancel the event entirely.
- Security Beefed Up: Despite the extreme stress, they decided to move forward with heightened security. Farah noted, “Imagine it’s your first film and instead of celebrating it, you’re dealing with threats.”
- The Three Khans: When asked if Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Aamir Khan were also under pressure, Farah confirmed they were. She noted that while sets didn’t always feel fearful, the industry was reeling from incidents like the 1994 shooting of producer Mukesh Duggal, which “shook everyone.”
The “Worst Era” of Hindi Cinema
Farah didn’t hold back on her critique of Bollywood’s content during her college years:
- 1980s Critique: She labeled the 80s the “worst era” of Hindi films, citing the formulaic “three-hero” movies featuring stars like Dharmendra and Jeetendra.
- Hollywood Influence: She admitted that her generation used to “look down” on Hindi films back then, preferring Hollywood classics like Saturday Night Fever and Dirty Dancing because the local content felt forgettable and “ganda” (bad).
Inside the Podcast Highlights
Beyond the underworld discussions, the conversation with Ranveer Allahbadia covered:
- Career Failures: Farah discussed the brutal public reaction to Tees Maar Khan and how she navigated that low phase.
- Salman Khan’s Journey: Insights into her long-standing professional bond and experiences working with Salman.
- The SRK Bond: Her deep connection with Shah Rukh Khan and the making of iconic films like Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om.