Govind Namdev Calls Out Bollywood’s ‘Food Hierarchy’ on Film Sets

Veteran actor Govind Namdev has spoken candidly about the entrenched hierarchy within the Hindi film industry, shedding light on disparities that extend beyond pay and vanity vans to something as basic as meals on set.

In a recent interview with The Lallantop, the actor detailed what he described as a long-standing “food hierarchy” on film sets, where leading stars are served different meals from the rest of the cast and crew. He also identified Akshay Kumar as a rare exception who actively worked to eliminate such distinctions during the shoot of Oh My God!.

“Stars Have Different Food”: On-Set Inequality

Reflecting on his three-decade career, Namdev said hierarchy in Bollywood influences both professional interactions and daily working conditions.

“There is a major system of big and small stars; people function as per hierarchy — in terms of salaries and treatment — in the film industry,” he said. “If someone is paid more, that person will get a bigger vanity van; that’s how it is decided. A food hierarchy also exists on film sets. Stars have different food, while others eat different food items.”

According to Namdev, this structure is widely accepted and often unquestioned. He added that treatment on set is closely tied to an actor’s perceived status and remuneration.

On Creative Hierarchy: “This Is Not How the Industry Functions”

Namdev also addressed the assumption that leading actors might approach him for guidance given his experience. He dismissed the idea, pointing to what he sees as an industry mindset shaped by status.

“No, this is not how the industry functions. Stars believe that if they will take advice from another actor, they would be below them in some way. This is the first thought that comes to their mind,” he said.

He further explained that even if a star seeks input, they are more likely to consult someone of similar stature. “He is a star, on top level, he doesn’t feel that need to ask me,” Namdev remarked, adding that he is often perceived as a “small actor” because he frequently portrays antagonistic roles.

Akshay Kumar and ‘Oh My God!’: A Different Environment

While describing inequality as common practice, Namdev cited one contrasting experience during the filming of Oh My God!, directed by Umesh Shukla.

“There are people who have fresh perspective towards this, they try that everyone should be treated equally. Good people like Akshay Kumar, during the shoot of Oh My God. The actor and the film’s director Umesh Shukla decided together that everyone should eat and drink the same thing. If someone doesn’t eat onion or garlic, then that’s a different case, otherwise everybody should be treated equally,” he said.

Namdev described the atmosphere on that set as notably different, emphasizing that equal treatment extended across cast and crew.

He also praised Kumar’s discipline and demeanor, calling him one of the most disciplined actors in the industry and noting his positive attitude on set.

Praise for Shah Rukh Khan’s Work Ethic

In the same conversation, Namdev spoke about working with Shah Rukh Khan, recalling the actor’s relentless schedule.

“Ek hi hai banda jo 24 ghante kaam karta hai, sona bhi 3-4 ghante, ussi mei dand bhaitak bhi hai, udghatan bhi karna hai, dialogue bhi yaad karna hai, kahin perform karne bhi jaana hai, main hairaan ho gaya ki ye kaisa aadmi hai,”

he said, describing Khan’s ability to balance performances, public appearances, and preparation despite health challenges.

A Career Spanning Decades

Born on September 3, 1954, Govind Namdev is an alumnus of the National School of Drama (1978 batch) and worked in its repertory company for over a decade before transitioning to films. He made his debut in Shola Aur Shabnam (1992) and went on to appear in numerous Hindi films, often in powerful supporting and antagonist roles.

His notable filmography includes Bandit Queen, Virasat, Satya, Sarfarosh, Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, and Johnny Gaddaar, among others.

In a separate interview, Namdev also revisited a difficult phase early in his career when his role in Saudagar, directed by Subhash Ghai, was removed during editing due to runtime constraints. He described the episode as emotionally devastating, recalling how he struggled to cope after the decision.

A Glimpse Behind the Glamour

Namdev’s remarks offer a candid look at working conditions behind the glamour of Bollywood, particularly the structural inequalities that persist on film sets. While he described the hierarchy as deeply embedded, he also acknowledged that individual actors and filmmakers have the ability to foster more inclusive work environments.