Late actor Amjad Khanson of Shadaab Khan He has made startling revelations about the dark side of the film industry, recalling how his father stood up against exploitation, withholding wages and alleged casting couch culture during his time as president of the Cine Artists Association.In a recent interview with Vickey Lalwani, Shadaab admitted that being the legendary actor’s son was a “complete disadvantage” in today’s industry and said that the film world has changed drastically from what it used to be.
“Being Amjad Khan’s son was a disadvantage”
“Times have changed. The film industry that existed 20 or 30 years ago no longer exists. People of that time knew my father and the kind of person he was. Today everyone cries about nepotism, inequality and camps, but then my father really fought for the common man in the industry,” said Shadaab.The actor explained that his father was respected by outsiders and workers for standing up at a time when many in the industry allegedly misused their power.
Shadaab Khan talks about alleged exploitation and casting couch culture
The actor later spoke out about the alleged exploitation he saw growing up in the industry.“Big producers would go back on workers’ salaries. There were attempts to push actors onto the casting couch. I won’t name names, but yes, I’ve seen it happen,” he said.Shadaab further shared that her father, who headed the Cine Artistes Association, was deeply involved in helping struggling artists, workers and women who faced exploitation in the industry.“My father dealt with many such cases. He was among the few people who really stood up for outsiders, daily wage workers, struggling actors and exploited women,” she said.
“Even small actors and technicians were exploited”
Recalling how the exploitation extended beyond actors, Shadaab added, “Small directors, small actors, daily wage workers – they were all exploited. In the eyes of the powerful, they were considered “small” people. My father hated that way of thinking. He fought for their rights constantly.”When asked if influential names in the industry were involved, Shadaab replied, “Of course. Very big names. And the actors involved were not stars. They were newcomers or strugglers. The same exploitation happened with technicians and smaller actors. Fathers would come in and fight for them.”
“People respected my father, but not everyone liked him”
Shadaab also reflected the respect her father commanded in the industry, despite upsetting powerful people with her outspoken nature.“He commanded enormous respect. Everyone respected him: the stars, the technicians, the workers. But because he was such a straight and honest man, everyone didn’t like him. People don’t always like straight 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 your goodwill and authority, people had to listen. You won’t find that in the industry today,” he added.
