‘Big producers exploited strugglers, my father fought for them’
Late actor Amjad Khan’s son Shadaab Khan has made shocking revelations about the darker side of the film industry, recalling how his father stood up against exploitation, withheld wages and alleged casting couch culture during his time as president of the Cine Artists Association.In a recent conversation with Vickey Lalwani, Shadaab admitted that being the son of the legendary actor was “a total disadvantage” in today’s industry and said the film world has drastically changed from what it once was.
‘Being Amjad Khan’s son was a disadvantage’
“Times have changed. The film industry that existed 20 or 30 years ago doesn’t exist anymore. People from that era knew my father and the kind of person he was. Today everyone screams about nepotism, inequality and camps, but back then my father actually fought for the common man in the industry,” Shadaab said.The actor explained that his father was respected for standing by outsiders and workers at a time when many in the industry allegedly misused their power.
Shadaab Khan speaks about alleged exploitation and casting couch culture
The actor then went on to speak about the alleged exploitation he witnessed growing up in the industry.“Big producers would hold back wages of workers. There were attempts to push actresses towards the casting couch. I won’t take names, but yes, I’ve seen it happen,” he revealed.Shadaab further shared that his father, who headed the Cine Artists Association, was deeply involved in helping struggling artistes, workers and women who faced exploitation in the industry.“My father dealt with many such cases. He was among the few people who genuinely stood up for outsiders, daily wage workers, struggling actors and exploited women,” he said.
‘Small actors and technicians were exploited too’
Recalling how the exploitation extended beyond actresses, Shadaab added, “Small directors, junior actors, daily wage workers — they were all exploited. In the eyes of powerful people, they were considered ‘small’ people. My father hated that mindset. He fought for their rights tirelessly.”When asked whether influential names from the industry were involved, Shadaab responded, “Of course. Very big names. And the actresses involved were not stars. They were newcomers or strugglers. The same exploitation happened with technicians and smaller actors too. Dad would step in and fight for them.”
‘People respected my father, but not everyone liked him’
Shadaab also reflected on the respect his father commanded within the industry despite upsetting powerful people with his outspoken nature.“He commanded enormous respect. Everyone respected him — stars, technicians, workers. But because he was such a straight and honest man, not everyone liked him. People don’t always like straightforward people,” he said.The actor concluded by saying that despite resistance from some quarters, Amjad Khan’s stature ensured that his voice carried weight. “Because of the goodwill and authority he had, people had to listen to him. Today, you won’t find someone like that in the industry,” he added.
