Anil Sable

Anil Sable, born smack in the middle of Mumbai’s chaos on July 18, 1974, isn’t exactly a household name unless you’re the kind who reads film credits or hangs out at shoot locations. But he’s one of those behind-the-scenes guys who’s quietly kept some of Bollywood’s biggest blockbusters glued together. Seriously, look at his resume: Main Hoon Na (2004), Om Shanti Om (2007)—yes, that one with Shah Rukh Khan in disco mode—and the VFX-loaded, over-the-top Ra.One (2011). You know those huge sets, mind-boggling action sequences, and massive crowd scenes? That’s where Anil’s magic kicks in. The dude’s a producer and production manager, which basically means he’s like the project manager no one appreciates until something explodes on set, and then suddenly everyone’s hunting for him. He’s the guy balancing budgets, dealing with actors’ tantrums, making sure the chai arrives on time, and that the rain machines don’t short-circuit right before the big dance number. Mumbai isn’t exactly short on film people, but Anil’s reputation is built on being the calm in the storm. He’s worked with the big guns—Farah Khan, Shah Rukh, and a parade of A-listers—yet somehow dodges the spotlight. Maybe he prefers it that way. Still, if you’ve ever cheered at Main Hoon Na’s wild stunts or got swept up in Om Shanti Om’s crazy plot twists, toss a nod his way. Anil Sable, quietly making Bollywood work, one headache at a time.