Anil Kapoor is ‘jhootha number one’, Madhuri Dixit is ‘gungi’; Boney Kapoor and his gang poached her from me: Pahlaj Nihalani
🔹 Anil Kapoor: ‘Jhootha Number One’
Nihalani didn’t mince words while describing Anil Kapoor’s role in the situation.
“Anil is jhootha number one. He pretended to be my friend but worked behind my back to help his brother Boney poach Madhuri from my film.”
He claimed that Anil’s loyalty was a façade and accused him of manipulation, suggesting that the actor misled him during discussions about Madhuri’s schedule and commitment.
🔹 Madhuri Dixit: ‘Gungi’ for Staying Silent
The producer’s disappointment extended to Madhuri Dixit as well. Though he admitted her talent was unquestionable, he criticized her silence during the entire episode.
“She didn’t say a word. She just disappeared. That’s why I call her gungi,” Nihalani said.
According to him, her silence signified complicity. He believes she owed him an explanation or at least an acknowledgment of the sudden exit from Shatranj, a film he had built with her in mind.
🔹 Boney Kapoor’s Alleged Poaching Strategy
Boney Kapoor, who produced the expensive Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, was at the center of the controversy. Nihalani accused him of “unethical tactics” in acquiring Madhuri Dixit, who was already committed elsewhere.
“He lured her with money and glamor. I had signed her first, but he used his network to snatch her away.”
The move not only damaged Nihalani’s film project but also strained long-standing professional relationships.
🔹 The Fallout: Neither Film Succeeded
Ironically, both Shatranj and Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja did not meet expectations at the box office. While the former was delayed and under-promoted, the latter became one of the costliest flops of its time.
Nihalani pointed out that despite the betrayal, no one benefitted creatively or commercially from the chaos.
“In the end, no one won. But I lost the most — the trust, the actress, and the momentum.”
🔹 Why Speak Out Now?
Many are questioning the timing of Nihalani’s statements. In response, he clarified that the pain never left him — he just chose silence until now.
“I kept quiet for years. But the truth should be known. People only see the glamour, not the backstabbing behind it.”
Nihalani says he is speaking up to set the record straight and to remind the industry of the value of integrity in collaborations.
🔹 Industry Reactions Awaited
As of now, there has been no official response from Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, or Boney Kapoor. However, given the strong words used, industry insiders anticipate some form of clarification or rebuttal.
Meanwhile, fans are divided — some are supporting Nihalani’s right to express his story, while others believe revisiting such issues decades later only creates unnecessary drama.
🔹 Conclusion: A Glimpse into Bollywood’s Power Games
Pahlaj Nihalani’s remarks offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the intense power dynamics and personal betrayals within Bollywood’s golden era. While the truth may lie somewhere in between, his account reminds us that the cost of stardom and ambition often includes broken trust, unfinished films, and unresolved stories.
Whether this will open the gates to more such revelations remains to be seen — but for now, it has certainly brought a forgotten controversy back into the spotlight.
