Amjad Khan, forever remembered as the menacing Gabbar Singh in the iconic film 'Sholay', passed away in 1992, leaving behind a significant amount of unpaid dues from several prominent figures in Bollywood. During the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the Hindi film industry was heavily influenced by the underworld. Gangsters frequently threatened actors, directors, and producers for money, and often invested in films, wielding considerable influence over casting decisions. Consequently, when Amjad Khan's family received a call from the underworld shortly after his death, they were understandably terrified. However, the call took an unexpected turn; instead of threats or demands for money, the gangsters offered to help the family recover the substantial sums owed to the late actor by various members of the film industry.
Shadaab Khan Reveals Bollywood Owed Amjad Khan Rs 1.27 Crore
In a candid interview with Vickey Lalwani, Amjad Khan's son, Shadaab Khan, disclosed a startling revelation. He stated that the film industry owed his father a staggering Rs 1.27 crore at the time of his death, and the underworld's call was essentially an offer to assist the family in recovering that money. Shadaab explained that during those days, actors received what were known as 'lab letters'—official documents from producers promising payment for their work on a film. When Amjad Khan passed away, his family was left with a pile of such letters amounting to Rs 1.27 crore in unpaid dues. 'The industry owed my father Rs 1.27 crore,' he said, adding, 'We never got that money. And it was back in the day when it was a huge amount.'
Why Established Producers Never Paid Amjad Khan
Shadaab Khan elaborated on the situation, clarifying that his father had already forgiven the debts of those who genuinely could not afford to pay. The Rs 1.27 crore that remained unpaid was owed by filmmakers who were financially stable and had no valid excuse. 'It's different when you can't pay because you were going through a difficult time, or you didn't have the money and you had an understanding with my father that you couldn't pay. There were filmmakers who had told my father upfront that they couldn't pay, and my father forgave that debt. But this money, this was due from established producers,' he said, adding with a hint of bitterness, 'None of them came forward and gave that money that was due.'
Why the Family Never Sought the Money
Shadaab also explained why the family never pursued the money, citing reasons rooted in self-respect and principle. 'My mother was very clear that Amjad Khan never asked for it and I will not do it either after he has passed. If they want to give it, it's okay, otherwise, God will take care of us. And God did take care of us,' he said. To provide perspective, Shadaab highlighted the immense value of that sum at the time. While Rs 1.27 crore today might only buy a luxury car, in those days it was a fortune large enough to purchase three to four apartments on Pali Hill in Bandra, one of Mumbai's most prestigious and expensive neighborhoods.
Why the Underworld's Offer Was Refused
Shadaab then recounted how the underworld stepped forward to help recover the money, but his mother declined. 'Certain elements came forward. They were from the underworld. They came forward and expressed their desire to extract that money on our behalf. My mother said no,' he said. He shared that the family received only one such call, and it was he who answered it. 'It was a few months after my father's passing. I took that call. It was a particular gangster from the Middle East. He said that I have heard this much money is owed to Amjad saab. My mother said no. He said that the money will be at your doorstep in three days but she refused. She said that my husband never took favours from the underworld. I don't want to start a trend now so the matter finished there,' he said. After Amjad Khan's death, his mother, who had spent most of her life as a housewife, bravely started her own business.
Underworld Extortion in Bollywood
Earlier, filmmakers like Karan Johar and Rakesh Roshan had also spoken about receiving extortion calls from the underworld. Rakesh Roshan was shot in broad daylight just a week after his film 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai' became a major success. The film also launched his son Hrithik Roshan in Bollywood.
