Jun 27, 2026 2:18pm IST
Khalid Mohamed: ‘I haven’t exhumed my relationship with the film industry’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Eminent film critic, journalist, editor, screenwriter and film director Khalid Mohamed is out with a new tell-all tome called “Not Quite Family,” which chronicles his experiences as a Bollywood journalist and the often-friendly, sometimes-familial relations with the who’s who in industry circles. Over a 30-year career, he transitioned seamlessly from reviewing films to shaping them. In a candid conversation with Variety India, he drops several truth bombs about the film industry and his continuing connection to it.
Related Stories
Was it hard to relive those days of film friendships with ‘Not Quite Family’?
It wasn't hard to relive the once-precious friendships... or rather being subjected to that phrase categorically, ‘You're like a family member’. Anything said off the record or seen because of my sheer presence in the midst of ugly situations, have been omitted from the book since it would amount to treachery. In a way, it was like writing the screenplay of “Zubeidaa” for Shyam Benegal, who dignified any 'anger' on my part. As he told me, viewers can read between the film's frames.
How would you describe the tone in your book?
Even if a book is an entirely different thing altogether from a screenplay, I would say it's a balanced walk on nothing but the truth without teetering off the tightrope.
What prompted you to exhume your relationship with the movie industry and were you not apprehensive about the egos you might tread on?
I haven't exhumed my relationship with the film industry. Only when I'm solicited to write a piece by the papers or websites, it's for obituaries. In some cases, I can't refuse because I have respected and adored Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Dharmendra, Benegal sir and Khayyam. Also, despite not being on an 'exalted' chair of an editor or critic, there was the same mutual trust with the late Rishi Kapoor, and will always will be with Anil and Sonam Kapoor, Neetu Kapoor, Hrithik Roshan, Manoj Bajpai, Karan Johar, Tabu, Farah Khan, Celina Jaitly, Dipannita Sharma, Richa Chadha, Santosh Sivan and more.
Are they in touch with you?
Yes , we are in touch and I know they are just a call away. I keep in touch with Saif Ali Khan occasionally. The one person I miss is Karisma Kapoor, who seems to be remote now. Of the new generation , Saiyami Kher and Jaideep Ahlawat have been pleasant to interview. With others, to say that it's not the same anymore, would be an understatement.
The only interview Aditya Chopra gave was to you...
Aditya Chopra always dispensed advice to me whenever I needed it. In the case of writing the review of “Ghulam,” he told me quite clearly, “You must write what you believe in.” But the same did not apply in the case of his “Mohabbatein,” after which he turned turtle, ignoring me even when he saw me with my hand in a plaster cast after an accident. Ditto, Mr Mani Ratnam after a mixed review of “Dil Se…”
Do you miss those days of wining and dining with the stars?
Of course, I miss the mad, fun days. Even if I knew I was being manipulated during an interview with Rekha, I knew exactly where we were going. Sridevi, despite her brief and cute answers, was simple to read. Kamal Haasan, for his in-depth interviews, was incomparable, but then he got into a tangle with Shantanu Sheorey who was originally directing “Chachi 420.” When he was dropped, some negative article came out in Star & Style and he believed it was my doing.
Did these experiences embitter you?
To be honest, I never ever wanted to be a film journalist. I was more than happy being in the newsroom of Times of India. And believe it or not, I wanted to be an artist, inspired by Paul Gauguin and had planned to study art in France, but then my grandfather passed away. All such fancy ambitions were squashed. No instant finance, no dreams.
Popular on Variety
It was whispered that some of your reviews were paid for? Now, of course, a lot of reviews are sponsored….
My reviews being paid for? After receiving my grandfather's inheritance after a couple of years, I was in a position to pay filmmakers. Some would try to give me luxury pens and watches, but those were offers which could be immediately refused because I had better ones anyway. I wouldn't know about today's paid reviews.
Would you go through the Bollywood experience again?
Yes, yes, yes! It was riddled with obstacles, but it was a blast.
Comments are moderated. They may be edited for clarity and reprinting in whole or in part in Variety publications.