Actress Niki Aneja Walia has made serious allegations against producer Pahlaj Nihalani, recounting distressing experiences during the production of her debut film Mr. Azaad (1994), starring Anil Kapoor. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Niki shared how she faced mental harassment and was asked to “compromise” as part of her professional obligations.
Niki described her discomfort with the industry’s practices, particularly the pressures placed on new actors. She alleged that Pahlaj Nihalani had urged her to have dinners with distributors and compromise, implying unethical conduct.
“I wasn’t treated nicely during Azaad. Newcomer aside, I realised there is more to acting than what people said,” Niki stated. She added, “Ye jo casting couch hai, ‘Compromise kar lo kya problem hai… aapki journey jaldi ho jayegi…’ I don’t resonate with them. I want to wake up and respect who I see in the mirror.”
At just 19 years old, Niki faced significant challenges and opted to stand firm against such expectations. Despite the technical skills she gained from the project, the personal toll and interactions off-camera left her determined to distance herself from such scenarios in the future.
Niki revealed that she directly questioned Pahlaj Nihalani about his intentions, asking why he expected her to attend these dinners. According to her, the producer responded, “Picture nahi bechni hai kya?” (Don’t you want to sell the film?). Niki retorted by suggesting that a leading star like Anil Kapoor should be sufficient to sell the movie.
Following her refusal, she experienced backlash on set. She explained how colleagues began disrespecting her, with many taunting her about her unwillingness to “compromise.”
“Several people told me, ‘aap toh film bech logi’ (you’ll sell the film yourself). But I never compromised, and I have no regrets about it,” Niki emphasized.
The unpleasant experiences on Mr. Azaad profoundly impacted Niki’s career trajectory. Although she went on to work in Yes Boss alongside Shah Rukh Khan, she found Ratan Jain’s production environment to be starkly different, highlighting the contrast in professionalism. Nevertheless, her disillusionment with the film industry led her to step away after completing Yes Boss.
In addition to her film work, Niki Aneja Walia earned widespread recognition for her television roles in acclaimed shows like Astitva… Ek Prem Kahani, Sea Hawks, and Ghar Ek Sapna. Her decision to prioritize self-respect and professional integrity remains a defining aspect of her journey.
