Whether it is the ruthless Thakur Shri Ram in Bandit Queen, the menacing Veeran in Sarfarosh, or the religious figure in OMG 2, Govind Namdev has never been confined to one kind of role. Over the years, he has become synonymous with intense and grey-shaded characters, leaving a mark in films such as Satya, Virasat, Kachche Dhaage and Qayamat. With a career spanning more than three decades and close to 100 films, the veteran actor has seen the inner workings of the Hindi film industry up close.
In a recent conversation, the actor opened up about an aspect of the industry that is rarely discussed publicly: the hierarchy that operates quietly on film sets. From pay scales to vanity vans and even food, he suggested that the system often reflects an actor’s market value rather than their experience.
Govind Namdev talks about hierarchy on sets
During the chat with The Lallantop, Govind was asked whether younger stars approach him for advice, considering his vast body of work. The actor dismissed the idea. He explained that the industry does not function in that manner. According to him, many leading actors hesitate to seek guidance from supporting actors because they fear it may make them appear less important. He indicated that the first instinct for some stars is to protect their position rather than open up to collaboration.
He went on to describe how hierarchy shows up in practical, everyday ways on a set. He said that the difference is not limited to remuneration or the size of vanity vans. In his view, even meals are segregated. The actor explained, "There is a major system of big and small stars, people function as per hierarchy, in terms of salaries and treatment in the film industry. If someone gets paid more, that person will get a huge vanity van, that’s how it is decided. Food hierarchy also exists on film sets. The stars have different foods, and others eat different food items."
However, Govind was quick to point out that not everyone follows this pattern. Recalling his experience on the sets of Oh My God!, he shared a contrasting example involving Akshay Kumar and director Umesh Shukla. According to Namdev, during the shoot of the 2012 film, both Kumar and Shukla decided that everyone on set would eat the same food. Unless someone had specific dietary restrictions, such as avoiding onions or garlic, there would be no distinction between stars and crew.
The veteran actor described the atmosphere during that shoot as refreshingly different. He suggested that such gestures create a sense of unity and mutual respect among cast and crew members. For him, it was an example of how senior actors can set the tone for a more inclusive work culture.
Govind Namdev's professional front
Meanwhile, on the professional front, Namdev was last seen in Gandhi Talks, which featured Vijay Sethupathi, Aditi Rao Hydari and Arvind Swamy. The film hit theatres on January 30, 2026. Even after decades in the industry, the actor continues to take on diverse roles, and speak his mind about the system he has been part of for so long.
In a recent conversation, the actor opened up about an aspect of the industry that is rarely discussed publicly: the hierarchy that operates quietly on film sets. From pay scales to vanity vans and even food, he suggested that the system often reflects an actor’s market value rather than their experience.
Govind Namdev talks about hierarchy on sets
During the chat with The Lallantop, Govind was asked whether younger stars approach him for advice, considering his vast body of work. The actor dismissed the idea. He explained that the industry does not function in that manner. According to him, many leading actors hesitate to seek guidance from supporting actors because they fear it may make them appear less important. He indicated that the first instinct for some stars is to protect their position rather than open up to collaboration.He went on to describe how hierarchy shows up in practical, everyday ways on a set. He said that the difference is not limited to remuneration or the size of vanity vans. In his view, even meals are segregated. The actor explained, "There is a major system of big and small stars, people function as per hierarchy, in terms of salaries and treatment in the film industry. If someone gets paid more, that person will get a huge vanity van, that’s how it is decided. Food hierarchy also exists on film sets. The stars have different foods, and others eat different food items."
However, Govind was quick to point out that not everyone follows this pattern. Recalling his experience on the sets of Oh My God!, he shared a contrasting example involving Akshay Kumar and director Umesh Shukla. According to Namdev, during the shoot of the 2012 film, both Kumar and Shukla decided that everyone on set would eat the same food. Unless someone had specific dietary restrictions, such as avoiding onions or garlic, there would be no distinction between stars and crew.
The veteran actor described the atmosphere during that shoot as refreshingly different. He suggested that such gestures create a sense of unity and mutual respect among cast and crew members. For him, it was an example of how senior actors can set the tone for a more inclusive work culture.