He manages money of top Bollywood actors. But in parties, he is often asked a particular question?
He’s the money whisperer behind Bollywood’s brightest stars — from Aamir Khan and Ranbir Kapoor to Katrina Kaif and Juhi Chawla. For over four decades, Bimal Parekh has quietly managed the finances of India’s entertainment elite, helping shape the business side of some of the country’s biggest blockbusters. Yet, despite his powerful portfolio, there’s one question he says people can’t help but ask him at social gatherings: Do celebrities even pay their bills?
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Parekh shared that this is the most common query thrown at him at parties. While people might hesitate to ask a doctor whether their patients pay, it seems the film industry operates under a different kind of curiosity. But he insists, with a smile, that in all his years, not a single Bollywood client has defaulted.
Known for his sharp financial insights and strategic thinking, Parekh has been instrumental in bringing about significant changes in the industry’s money culture. He revealed that he and his team were the first to implement the now-popular backend profit-sharing model, starting with Aamir Khan. This meant no upfront fee — instead, actors took a share of profits. It was a risky but game-changing approach. Aamir may have earned less on Laal Singh Chaddha, but the studio walked away without losses. Conversely, Dangal proved wildly profitable for everyone involved.
Parekh, who also advises major production houses like Excel Entertainment, Tiger Baby, Bhansali Productions, and D2R Films, says budgeting has become even more crucial in today’s uncertain box-office climate. He also often plays the role of the truth-teller, advising actors when their fees are unrealistic and nudging them to think long-term.
His journey into Bollywood finance began almost by chance. Following in his father’s footsteps, Parekh became a chartered accountant and started working with a firm that managed accounts for B.R. Chopra and Zeenat Aman. When he branched out on his own, his boss handed him two key clients: Zeenat Aman and a then-unknown debutant named Aamir Khan.
Today, Bimal Parekh is more than just a CA — he’s Bollywood’s behind-the-scenes maestro, helping India’s top talent turn stardom into sustainable success.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, Parekh shared that this is the most common query thrown at him at parties. While people might hesitate to ask a doctor whether their patients pay, it seems the film industry operates under a different kind of curiosity. But he insists, with a smile, that in all his years, not a single Bollywood client has defaulted.
Known for his sharp financial insights and strategic thinking, Parekh has been instrumental in bringing about significant changes in the industry’s money culture. He revealed that he and his team were the first to implement the now-popular backend profit-sharing model, starting with Aamir Khan. This meant no upfront fee — instead, actors took a share of profits. It was a risky but game-changing approach. Aamir may have earned less on Laal Singh Chaddha, but the studio walked away without losses. Conversely, Dangal proved wildly profitable for everyone involved.
Parekh, who also advises major production houses like Excel Entertainment, Tiger Baby, Bhansali Productions, and D2R Films, says budgeting has become even more crucial in today’s uncertain box-office climate. He also often plays the role of the truth-teller, advising actors when their fees are unrealistic and nudging them to think long-term.
His journey into Bollywood finance began almost by chance. Following in his father’s footsteps, Parekh became a chartered accountant and started working with a firm that managed accounts for B.R. Chopra and Zeenat Aman. When he branched out on his own, his boss handed him two key clients: Zeenat Aman and a then-unknown debutant named Aamir Khan.
Today, Bimal Parekh is more than just a CA — he’s Bollywood’s behind-the-scenes maestro, helping India’s top talent turn stardom into sustainable success.
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