Veteran actor-filmmaker Rakesh launched his son Hrithik Roshan in 2000 with the blockbuster Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai. For the film, he collaborated with renowned choreographer Farah Khan.
Recently, the duo reunited for an engaging vlog, reminiscing about their time working together and reflecting on how the industry has evolved, particularly the soaring entourage and vanity van culture. While recalling Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai, Farah observed, “You used to carry such a small crew… just about 30-40 people.” To this, Rakesh responded, “Yeah, 30-40.”
She then compared it with today’s scenario: “Now, people travel with at least 200 people. It looks like a fair. They walk like elephants. An actor’s entourage alone consists of at least 20 people.” Rakesh nodded, adding, “Yes, I guess around 20–25.”
Sharing a surprising anecdote, Rakesh recalled, “I remember Simi once called me and said, ‘Guddu, I have restarted Rendezvous, and there’s this couple who have sent a list requesting nine vanity vans.’” Farah exclaimed, “Nine?” Rakesh confirmed, “Yes. Even I was shocked. I asked her again, ‘Nine?’ She said yes. I couldn’t sleep that night. I kept wondering, ‘Is Hrithik also making such demands?’”
He continued, “First thing in the morning, I called his driver, Sushil, and asked, ‘How many vans do we have? At least 3–4?’ Sushil replied, ‘No, sir. Just one.’ That’s when I finally sighed in relief.”
Farah added with a laugh, “Sir, we didn’t even have a vanity van during that film. The actors used to change behind bushes!” Rakesh agreed, “So far, in all the films I have made, there were no vanity vans.”
Recalling Kaabil (2017), he said, “There were about 10–12 vans parked. I asked, ‘Why do we need so many vans?’ Shammi told me, ‘One is for the light master, one for the cameraman, one for the choreographer, two for the hero, one for the heroine…’ I was shocked. I thought, when do they even have time to use them?”
Farah, sharing her own work ethic, noted, “I swear, I tell them very clearly—don’t give me any van. I never leave the set. The only thing I ask for is a clean washroom. That’s it.” Rakesh recalled an older tradition, “We all used to eat lunch together.”
Farah pointed out how things have changed, “That’s just us, sir. Others have a separate van for their private chef, who makes a salad worth Rs 40,000. It’s just boiled chicken and salad. And after all that, they still end up eating what I bring from home! They say, ‘Ma’am, what have you brought? Please share it with us.’ It’s really become tough now. Hats off to all the producers!”
Highlighting the demands of the current generation, she added, “Today, an actor won’t even begin shooting unless their vans arrive. Each actor demands around four vans—one for their gym, one for their staff, one for themselves, and sometimes more. Then there’s a separate food truck too.”
Comparing it with the past, she said, “Back in the day, heroines would change behind trees—we would hold up towels for them. I have done that myself. During outdoor shoots, even in Switzerland, they would change behind a bus using bedsheets for cover. Now, actors refuse to step out unless their vans are parked.”
In addition to providing a nostalgic look back at the simplicity of Bollywood's early years, their open discussion highlighted how drastically the industry has evolved. Rakesh Roshan and Farah Khan's observations show the development and excesses of contemporary filmmaking, from actors changing behind makeshift covers to the current need for numerous vanity vans and
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