Akshay Kumar's Honest Advice to Newcomers: Why You Should Skip That 3-Film Deal

Bollywood veteran Akshay Kumar recently dropped some serious wisdom for aspiring actors at the 70th Filmfare Awards, strongly advising them to steer clear of the common "three-film deal" and pointed to Aryan Khan's "The Bads of Bollywood" as essential viewing.

TL;DR

• Akshay Kumar used the Filmfare Awards stage to tell all newcomers: "Never sign a 3-film deal."
• He praised Aryan Khan's web series, "The Bads of Bollywood," saying it clearly shows what debutants should and shouldn't do.
• The advice comes amidst a rare public reunion and heartwarming hug between Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan, leaving fans wanting more.

Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan's Unexpected Stage Reunion Sparks Online Buzz

The recent 70th Filmfare Awards, held in Ahmedabad on October 11, 2025, was already a night to remember for many reasons, but a surprise reunion between Bollywood stalwarts Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan truly set the internet on fire. The two superstars, rarely seen sharing the stage, embraced in a moment that quickly went viral, fueling fan hopes for a future film collaboration.

But beyond the viral hug, Akshay Kumar delivered a powerful message to the next generation of actors, using the platform to give some candid, no-nonsense career advice. And guess what? He even gave a shoutout to Shah Rukh Khan's son, Aryan Khan, and his directorial debut web series, "The Bads of Bollywood."

Why Akshay Kumar Warned Newcomers About Multi-Film Contracts

While presenting the Best Debut awards, Shah Rukh Khan, who was co-hosting the show alongside Karan Johar and Kumar, asked Akshay what pearls of wisdom he'd share with aspiring actors. Akshay didn't hold back, diving straight into a critical aspect of the industry that often traps new talent: the multi-film deal.

He emphasized that while these contracts might seem like a golden ticket, they can quickly turn into a gilded cage.

"I want to say just one thing to all the newcomers and the upcoming newcomers that never sign a 3-film deal with any producer. Watch The Bads of Bollywood by Aryan Khan. It's very good!"

— Akshay Kumar at the Filmfare Awards

He wasn't just dropping a casual tip; he was making a direct reference to a key plot point in Aryan Khan's acclaimed web series, suggesting it as essential viewing for anyone looking to make it big in the film world.

Understanding the "Bads of Bollywood"-Coded Advice

So, what's the deal with the "three-film deal" that Akshay Kumar is so strongly cautioning against? As he pointed out, Aryan Khan's "The Bads of Bollywood" puts this very practice under the spotlight. The show's protagonist, Aasmaan Singh (played by Lakshya), finds himself in a tight spot after signing an exclusive three-film deal with Sodawallah Productions.

This contract ties his hands, especially when a massive opportunity, like a film offer from none other than Karan Johar (playing himself!), comes knocking. The series brilliantly explores Aasmaan's struggle to navigate his career and find a way out of this restrictive deal.

"You must have seen The Bads of Bollywood and what our hero had to go through. The film makes it clear what a debutant should and should not do. Do not sign a 3-movie deal. Give your debutant freedom, allow them to run away. As it is said that ‘let them free, if they belong to you, they will come back’."

— Akshay Kumar

This advice, delivered with a hint of humor towards co-host Karan Johar, resonated deeply because it touches on a long-standing reality of the Bollywood industry. Historically, major production houses like Yash Raj Films and Dharma Productions have been known for signing newcomers to multi-film contracts right after their debut. While sometimes leading to long-term careers, these deals could also sideline actors if their initial projects didn't hit the mark.

Real-Life Echoes: Newcomers Trapped by Multi-Film Contracts

Akshay's "Bads of Bollywood"-coded advice isn't just theory; it reflects real-life experiences of actors in the industry. The very show he praised features actors who have faced similar predicaments:

• Lakshya: The lead actor of "The Bads of Bollywood" (who also won the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his role in Karan Johar's "Kill") signed a three-film deal with Dharma Productions. However, his subsequent two films, "Dostana 2" and "Bedhadak," unfortunately, didn't materialize.
• Anya Singh: Signed a three-film deal with YRF in 2016. Her debut, "Qaidi Band" (2017), didn't perform well at the box office, and the other two promised projects never took off.

These examples underscore the importance of Akshay's message: while a multi-film deal might offer initial security, it can also restrict an actor's choices and career trajectory if future projects don't pan out.

Akshay Kumar's Enduring Philosophy on Work and Longevity in Bollywood

Beyond the contractual warnings, Akshay Kumar also shared a piece of his own career philosophy that has kept him relevant and successful for decades. He emphasized that true success comes from a genuine love for the work, not just chasing big roles or paychecks.

"I always say money attracts money, and similarly, work attracts money. No work is big or small. It happens at times that I like the story of a film, but my role is small, but I still do that film because I know that the movie is good and I want to be a part of history."

— Akshay Kumar

He concluded by saying, "If you manage to get that right, you will be able to stay in this industry for a long time." It’s a powerful reminder that passion for storytelling and dedication to good cinema can lead to a long and fulfilling career, regardless of the size of the role.

What's Next for These Bollywood Heavyweights?

Both Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan are busy with exciting projects:

• Akshay Kumar:
  • He was recently seen in the courtroom comedy "Jolly LLB 3" alongside Arshad Warsi.
  • He's currently working on two films with director Priyadarshan: "Haiwaan" (co-starring Saif Ali Khan, where he reportedly plays a negative role) and the much-anticipated "Hera Pheri 3," which reunites him with iconic co-stars Paresh Rawal and Suniel Shetty.
  • Other upcoming films include "Bhoot Bangla" and "Welcome To The Jungle."
• Shah Rukh Khan:
  • Hosted the Filmfare Awards this year.
  • Recently received his first National Award.
  • Currently filming "King" with director Siddharth Anand; the first look is expected on his 60th birthday next month.

And of course, Aryan Khan's "The Bads of Bollywood" continues to generate buzz, not just for its insights into the industry but also for its strong cast, including Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Manish Chaudhari, Mona Singh, and Arshad Warsi as underworld gangster Ghafoor.

Akshay Kumar's advice serves as a vital lesson for anyone dreaming of a career in films: understand the business, value good work, and always prioritize your freedom. It's a message that transcends the glamor and gets to the heart of what it takes to survive and thrive in Bollywood.

Frequently Asked Questions About "The Bads of Bollywood" When did "The Bads of Bollywood" premiere? "The Bads of Bollywood" premiered on September 18, 2025. Where can I watch "The Bads of Bollywood"? The seven-episode web series is available to stream on Netflix. Who are some of the key cast members in "The Bads of Bollywood"? The series stars Lakshya (as protagonist Aasmaan Singh), Bobby Deol, Sahher Bambba, Anya Singh, Manoj Pahwa, Manish Chaudhari, Mona Singh, and Arshad Warsi. What is "The Bads of Bollywood" about? The show revolves around an ambitious newcomer, Aasmaan Singh, and his struggles to make it big in Bollywood, particularly after signing a restrictive three-film deal. It's a comedy action entertainer. Sources

• Hindustan Times: https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/don-t-sign-a-three-film-deal-akshay-kumar-gives-a-bads-of-bollywood-coded-advice-to-newcomers-praises-aryan-khan-101729402516422.html
• Indian Express: https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/bollywood/akshay-kumar-advises-newcomers-not-to-sign-3-film-deals-bads-of-bollywood-8984024/
• iDIVA: https://www.idiva.com/entertainment/celebrity-buzz/never-sign-3-film-deal-akshay-kumars-the-bads-of-bollywood-coded-advice-for-newcomers/18051759
• Mashable India: https://in.mashable.com/entertainment/79366/akshay-kumar-says-the-bads-of-bollywood-made-it-clear-what-debutants-should-and-shouldnt-do
• IANS via The Print: https://theprint.in/entertainment/akshay-kumar-suggests-newcomers-to-never-sign-a-three-movie-deal-explains-why/2156641/
• Bollywood Hungama: https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/features/akshay-kumar-warns-newcomers-3-film-deals-says-bads-bollywood-shows-debutants-avoid/