“No VIP menu”: Govind Namdev shares how Akshay Kumar changed the rules on Oh My God! set

“No VIP menu”: Govind Namdev shares how Akshay Kumar changed the rules on Oh My God! set

• Govind Namdev highlights Bollywood's star hierarchy on sets
• He recalls Akshay Kumar ensuring equal food for all on Oh My God
• Namdev says such steps help reduce on-set privilege and barriers

Did our AI summary help?

Veteran actor Govind Namdev has opened up about Bollywood’s long-standing star hierarchy, recalling how the industry often functions on an unspoken system that places leading actors at the top — reflected in everything from vanity vans to pay scales and even food on set.

In a conversation with The Lallantop, Govind Namdev described the deep-rooted disparities he has witnessed over decades. According to him, the difference between “big” and “small” stars is visible not just in salaries but in everyday treatment. Bigger actors are allotted larger vanity vans, and even meal arrangements often differ. “People function as per their status,” he explained, noting that separate food menus for stars and crew members are not uncommon in the industry.

He said, “No, this is not how the industry functions. There is a major system of big and small stars… people function as per their status – in terms of salaries and treatment in the film industry. If someone gets paid more, that person will get a huge vanity van. Difference in food also exists on film sets. The stars have different foods, and others eat different food items.”

Govind Namdev shared that while individual dietary preferences were respected, there would be no exclusive or VIP menu. The move, he said, transformed the atmosphere on set. It blurred the lines between hierarchy and fostered a sense of equality and shared purpose. “There are people who have fresh perspective towards this… Good people like Akshay Kumar, during the shoot of Oh My God! The actor and the film’s director Umesh Shukla decided together that everyone should eat and drink the same thing. If someone doesn’t eat onion or garlic, then that’s a different case but there would be no VIP menu. The environment was something else at that time,” Govind recalled.

Also read: Akshay Kumar slams racism against Northeast Indians on Wheel Of Fortune, shares emotional story of his makeup artist Kin

Akshay’s decision, according to Namdev, wasn’t just about food — it symbolised breaking down invisible barriers. In an industry where privilege often dictates everyday experiences, this small yet meaningful step stood out.