Why Gulshan Kumar Was Murdered And Rakesh Roshan Shot At? Ram Gopal Varma Breaks Down Underworld Era

Ram Gopal Varma recently reflected on the turbulent 1990s in Bollywood, revealing how the underworld, led by figures like Dawood Ibrahim, influenced the industry through threats, funding, and casting pressure, making filmmakers like Rakesh Roshan and Gulshan Kumar targets.

In a conversation with crime writer Hussain Zaidi, RGV said, "When the underworld wants to show its power, it targets big names like Rakesh Roshan, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan." He said that many of these figures saw themselves as larger-than-life personalities.

Ram Gopal Varma emphasised that the underworld’s intentions in the 1990s went far beyond financial gain, pointing instead to a deeper pursuit of control and dominance over the film industry. He explained that by targeting high-profile figures, crime syndicates sought to assert their authority and instill fear across Bollywood. Referring to stars like Hrithik Roshan, Varma noted that gaining direct access to such celebrities was often difficult, which is why intimidation became a key strategy—using fear as a tool to influence decisions, shape casting, and maintain power within the industry.

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"If someone refused, the idea was to create an example, ‘Look what happened to him; it can happen to you too. Kill one, extort money from ten," he said.

Why was Rakesh Roshan attacked?

Ram Gopal Varma linked the atmosphere of fear to the 2000 attack on Rakesh Roshan after Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, claiming gangsters wanted control over Hrithik Roshan’s dates; when he refused, he was shot at outside his office but survived, later recalling the period as deeply fear-driven.

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What led to the murder of Gulshan Kumar?

RGV said that the 1997 killing of Gulshan Kumar stemmed from jealousy, power struggles and his refusal to bow to extortion, adding that figures like Abu Salem may have used it to assert dominance; he also recalled hearing the news at Jhamu Sugandh’s home, leaving everyone shaken.