Bollywood’s ‘in-house’ managers

Salman Khan’s association with his brothers — as siblings and co-producers — is well known. The three have together brought out hit films and continue to read scripts even today. The latest is that the Khan family will turn advisers for Salman who recently gave marching orders to his long-standing manager, Reshma Shetty. While sources suggest that the split was an amicable one and that the two may come together once again, the brothers have for now, taken over the reigns of his official affairs. Salman isn’t the only one who looks to his family for such help. Other actors such as Tiger Shroff, Ajay Devgn, Kangana Ranaut, Asin and Ayesha Takia have in the past, had their kin stepping in as their managers. In Kangana’s case however, the sisters are known to have parted ways - strictly professionally- due to their incompatibility as co-workers.

Krishna and Tiger Shroff

Krishna Shroff, who admits to playing a hands-on guide to her brother Tiger, says she’ll always stand by her brother no matter what. “Of course he comes to me with his scripts for suggestions. I work with him very closely. I will be focusing on my career after Munna Michael, but I am not going to stop helping him and guiding him. Tiger is too good for this industry so I know I will play a key role in his career as long as he wants me around.”

Sisters Kangana and Rangoli

The two have been working closely on the sets of Munna Michael. Tiger on his part, appreciates the effort. Does it get too overwhelming at times? “Not at all. She’s certainly more responsible than I am — like a manager. With her around, I can focus entirely on my work and not worry about other things.”

Ayesha Takia concurs. Her mother Farida Takia is known to take questions from the media every time Ayesha finds herself in the midst of a controversy. Whether it’s reports about her alleged lip job or the controversy stirred by her family, Farida is the first one to take the bullet. Says Ayesha, “It’s a far more comfortable equation because you can trust that person more that you trust your own judgment — definitely more than you trust an outsider. It’s more transparent. The interaction too is more personal.” The fact that it’s personal however, doesn’t mean that decisions are taken without due permission. Shares Farida, “We have immense respect for each other. For the last 15 years, I have never posted a single picture of Ayesha without asking her.  Never have I committed to a project or assignment without asking her. Just because I am her mother, doesn’t mean I can cross a line.”

Farida and Ayesha Takia

Another artiste who swears by her my mommy-turned-manager is singer and model Sophie Choudry. From gigs to public appearances, mother Choudry is there to ensure things flow smoothly for Sophie. “My mum has been my manager from the start of my career — since the time I started doing live shows. I feel truly blessed because she takes care of me and the entire team like no one could. She is super professional and sifts through the good events — doesn’t take them up for money. Above all, I can trust her blindly! She has a huge positive input in my career and many of my friends always tell me how blessed I am!”