Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Underworld Funded 1990s Bollywood Films, Says Ex-Cop
Imagine a time when big movie makers in India were like puppets for powerful bad guys.
A former police chief said that in the 1990s, gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim controlled Bollywood.
They even paid for movies to be made, like 'Satya' and 'Company'.
The police chief believes these movies were made to make the gangsters look good.
Even famous actors were involved, with one saying he just came to 'dance' for them.
This shows how much power the gangsters had over making movies back then, influencing what stories were told and how people saw them.
Former IPS officer D. Sivanandhan claims the 1990s Hindi film industry was controlled by the underworld.
Films like 'Satya', 'Company', and others were allegedly financed by gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim and Abu Salem.
The alleged purpose of these films was to improve the public image of the gangsters.
Actor Govinda admitted to performing for the underworld, stating he 'naach ke aaye hain' (came to dance).
The influence of the underworld extended to films made in the 1970s, according to the former officer.
- Who
- Former IPS officer D. Sivanandhan, Bollywood filmmakers, gangsters Dawood Ibrahim and Abu Salem.
- What
- Allegations that the Hindi film industry in the 1990s was controlled and funded by the underworld, with films like 'Satya' and 'Company' being financed by gangsters to improve their image. Actor Govinda admitted performing under such circumstances.
- When
- 1990s and 1970s.
- Where
- Bollywood (Hindi film industry), Mumbai.
- Why
- To lift the image of gangsters.
Bollywood's Wild West Era
Law Enforcement's Perspective
Filmmaker's Portrayal vs. Reality
Bollywood's Wild West Era
Filmmakers like Ram Gopal Varma created critically acclaimed films such as 'Satya' and 'Company' that depicted the underworld, potentially normalizing or glorifying gangster lifestyles.
Law Enforcement's Perspective
According to former IPS officer D. Sivanandhan, these films were not just inspired by gangsters but were directly financed and produced by them to enhance their public image.
Actors' Involvement
Bollywood's Wild West Era
Actors may have performed in films with an awareness of the underworld's influence.
Law Enforcement's Perspective
Former cop D. Sivanandhan claims actors were 'literally dancing to the tunes' of gangsters like Dawood Ibrahim and Abu Salem, suggesting a direct, compelled involvement.
- Underworld Control
- Complete control over Bollywood in the 1990s.
- Key Gangsters Mentioned
- Dawood Ibrahim, Abu Salem
- Films Allegedly Funded by Underworld
- Satya, Company, Daddy, Shootout At Wadala, Shootout At Lokhandwala, Deewaar, Muqaddar Ka Sikandar
- Alleged Purpose of Films
- To lift the image of gangsters.
- Source
- D. Sivanandhan, former Joint CP Crime Mumbai (1998-2001)
- Actor's Admission
- Govinda admitted performing after saying 'naach ke aaye hain' (came to dance).
