Veteran film producer and former CBFC chief Pahlaj Nihalani recently offered a candid critique of the shifting power dynamics in Bollywood. Speaking on the Learn From The Legend podcast, Nihalani recalled how casting decisions, once controlled by producers and directors, are now largely dictated by actors. He cited his own experience during the making of the 2003 film Talaash: The Hunt Begins..., where Akshay Kumar insisted Kareena Kapoor be cast opposite him—marking the first time Nihalani faced such a demand from an actor.

Talaash, one of the costliest films of its time with a ₹22 crore budget, included grand sets and international shoots. Nihalani speculated that Akshay's choice was motivated by a desire to appear younger on screen by pairing with a younger co-star.

The filmmaker expressed concern over what he sees as a troubling industry shift, where actors now dominate not only casting but also technical and creative decisions. According to him, producers today often function merely as financiers with little control over the filmmaking process.

Nihalani also commented on Akshay Kumar’s recent box office struggles, attributing them partly to a disconnect between the actor’s earlier traits—discipline, punctuality, and sincerity—and the evolving tastes of the audience. He remarked that even Akshay’s philanthropic gestures seem poorly timed or misaligned with public expectations.

He further criticised the excessive demands of modern-day actors, including large entourages and costly makeup and fitness requirements. Nihalani even alleged that drug use continues to persist in the industry, sometimes visible in actors’ behavior and appearance.