Meet Bimal Parekh, the smart CA who manages the finances of Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor and Katrina Kaif

The biggest names in the Bollywood industry are often known to their fans for their box office power and net worth. However, there is one wizard, who has been not only giving tax-saving tips but also building their businesses and co-owns football teams. This person is Bimal Prakash, who is associated with stars like Aamir Khan, Ranbir Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Juhi Chawla, Farhan Akhtar, Shah Rukh Khan and others.

In the initial phase of his career during the 1980s, he handled clients like Zeenat Aman and filmmaker BR Chopra.

“In the mid ’80s, I started working with a chartered accountancy rm that was handling the works of a few Bollywood individuals, including Zeenat Aman, B.R. Chopra and Nasir Hussain’s family. After four years, I wanted to start on my own. My boss tried to stop me, but I felt the need to branch out. When I was leaving, he gave me two clients as parting gifts — Zeenat Aman, whose work I used to handle, and second was a young actor, who was yet to debut: Aamir Khan!” Bimal Parekh told The Hollywood Reporter.

“He recommended my name to Juhi, who then came on board. Slowly, more names started to come in. Initially, we were doing only income tax audit work; I started financial advisory work much later,” he added.

Explaining how he set up production houses of Shah Rukh Khan and Farhan Akhtar, he said, “When Ritesh and Farhan went to narrate Aamir Dil Chahta Hai (2001), they also expressed their desire to make the lm as producers. I helped them with financial guidance for Excel Entertainment. Then when Lagaan (2001) was released, Ashutosh Gowariker wanted to start his own [production house] so he also came on board. Later, Bhansali reached out through a
common friend, and he came on board after Black (2005). When Juhi Chawla, Shah Rukh Khan and Aziz Mirza started their company Dreamz Unlimited, I was appointed as the auditor and set up that as well. At one point, I was signing balance sheets with both Aamir and Shah Rukh because of their respective production houses!”

He also revealed which actor is sharp with money and shared, “Katrina Kaif is the sharpest. She takes an interest. Aamir and Ranbir are not that bothered! [Laughs.] Then Ritesh Sidhwani and Krishna DK (of Raj-DK director duo) are sharp as well, they understand money.”