\u201c<\/span>Ajay Devgn<\/span><\/a> was already a star \u2014 but when he dropped an \u2018a\u2019 from his surname, he entered the \u20b9500 crore club,\u201d reveals Sanjay B. Jumaani.<\/span><\/p>\n In an industry where fortunes rise and fall overnight, Bollywood has long relied on more than just talent, timing or tenacity. Behind closed doors and under tight confidentiality, a league of celebrity astrologers like Jumaani, Dr. Sohini Sastri and Sundeep Kochar are shaping careers, advising on film titles and even predicting babies before they\u2019re conceived. From their own names to the names of their films, actors don\u2019t make any moves without checking with the stars.<\/span><\/p>\n Astrologer Sanjay B Jumaani.<\/span>courtesy of the subject<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s in a name?\u201d Shakespeare once asked. Jumaani, answers without hesitation, \u201cA lot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Jumaani\u2019s own career arc \u2014 transforming from a struggling salesman to one of India\u2019s top celebrity numerologists \u2014 began with a simple shift: adding the initial \u2018B\u2019 to his name. The result? A new identity, and a new destiny. \u201cI quit that job of 17 years,\u201d he recalls, \u201cand our [his and his father\u2019s] first title, <\/span>Kaho Naa… Pyaar Hai<\/span> (2000) went on to become a blockbuster.\u201d That\u2019s the power of aligning names with lucky numbers, he tells <\/span>The Hollywood Reporter India<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n This practice has only grown more popular with time. <\/span>Simmba <\/span>(2018) has an extra \u2018m\u2019,<\/span> Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai<\/span> (2010) carries an additional \u2018a\u2019, and Ekta Kapoor, a long-time believer, used a double \u2018a\u2019 in her own name. \u201cA small change in spelling can have a big effect on the spirit,\u201d says Sastri. \u201cWhen it\u2019s lined up right, it boosts trust, chances, and even movie sales. That\u2019s not magic; that\u2019s smart energy alignment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Similarly, an article by <\/span>India Today<\/span> in June 2022 detailed a paparazzi video, where Uorfi Jaaved (who changed her spelling from \u2018Urfi\u2019 upon Jumaani\u2019s advice) said, \u201c<\/span>Maine apni spelling change kar di. Mujhe ek numerologist ne bola tha ki thodi tarakki hogi, kaam milega. Viral hone se paise nahi milte<\/span> [I have changed the spelling of my name. A numerologist had asked me to do this for success and more money. Being viral doesn\u2019t bring me any money].\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n But not all astrologers are of the opinion that adding a letter to one\u2019s name changes their fortune. Kochar, known for his straightforward approach, offers a more critical perspective: \u201cThe trend of changing names and spellings started because of the movie industry. It doesn\u2019t have logic because the names are in Hindi and the spellings are changed in English. It fails the purpose.\u201d For him, astrology is about timing, not trendy spellings or superstition.<\/span><\/p>\n Astrologer Sundeep Kochar.<\/span>courtesy of the subject<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Speaking of trending topics, in showbiz, the moment when a trailer is dropped is often astrologically engineered. \u201cMany actors, directors and producers seek astrological guidance before finalising film projects, selecting release dates, or even naming characters,\u201d Sastri explains. From calculated muhurats to carefully aligned release windows, astrologers are consulted before the first clapboard strikes.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAkshay [Kumar] had many flops till his 44th year,\u201d Jumaani recalls. \u201cBorn on 9 September, I predicted that his 45th year \u2014 a nine-number year (four plus nine) \u2014 would be very good for him. He gave his first \u20b9100-crore hit <\/span>[Housefull 2<\/span>], <\/span>OMG<\/span>, and then another one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s not just about making changes and taking action, but about strategic pauses too. \u201cI once analysed the chart of a rising actor who had Jupiter transiting his 10th house of career \u2014 a classic sign of recognition and growth,\u201d says Sastri. \u201cThe film became a blockbuster. Later, Saturn\u2019s transit signalled emotional strain, and I suggested a brief hiatus. He returned stronger, with better roles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cAfter all, astrology is all about understanding your timeline,\u201d Kochar adds. \u201cIf time is not right, nothing will go right.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n And sometimes, it doesn\u2019t.<\/span><\/p>\n The stakes in celebrity culture aren\u2019t just about box-office numbers. One misstep \u2014 on or off-screen \u2014 can tank a career. That\u2019s why many stars now turn to astrology for guidance through PR crises.<\/span><\/p>\n Astrologer Dr. Sohini Sastri.<\/span>courtesy of the subject<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n \u201cI have advised celebrities during PR crises by analysing their birth charts and current planetary transits,\u201d says Sastri. \u201cI tell them when to react in public, when to keep quiet. Harmonising energies can be done with certain colours, chants or\u00a0actions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n In one surprising instance, a celebrity even asked Sastri to pick the exact date and minute for a social media comeback. \u201cThe post went viral in a good way,\u201d she says, \u201cwhich changed how people felt about it almost right away.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Because at the end of the day, behind the glamour, Bollywood is a deeply insecure place. \u201cAmbitious people become celebrities,\u201d Kochar observes. \u201cThey have insecurities and to keep being successful, they are willing to follow certain rituals, that can fall under superstition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n For many, astrology becomes a way to control the uncontrollable \u2014 fame, audience reaction, critical reception and timing. \u201cWe study people\u2019s important years and tell them to lie low when their time is not good,\u201d says Jumaani. And when the stars align, he believes, success follows. That includes films like <\/span>Sooryavanshi <\/span>(2021), where even the spelling was changed based on numerological advice (using a double \u2018o\u2019 instead of a \u2018u\u2019).<\/span><\/p>\n Some ways of gaining that sense of control are visible. For instance, Amitabh Bachchan is often spotted wearing sapphires, and they are not mere fashion statements. \u201cGems have meaning,\u201d says Kochar. \u201cYou can call it colour therapy or energies and associate planets with a person.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Referencing Bachchan\u2019s sapphires, he says, \u201cBut that doesn\u2019t mean anyone wearing it can become like him. It rules his health. He\u2019s in his 80s and still has the energy to work.\u201d Sastri agrees, adding, \u201cCertain colours can help people feel better.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n From name corrections to gemstone suggestions, it\u2019s all about aligning one\u2019s energy with the universe\u2019s\u00a0vibrations.<\/span><\/p>\n Of course, for services that probe as deep into a celebrity\u2019s personal life as these, confidentiality is key.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cEnsuring privacy for celebrity clients is paramount,\u201d says Sastri. \u201cConsultations are done through secure, encrypted channels. Personal information, charts and talks are kept safe and are never given to other\u00a0people.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Jumaani adds, \u201cCertain things people ask us are confidential \u2014 even my wife doesn\u2019t know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n And it doesn\u2019t come cheap. Jumaani offers two numerology consultation packages. The first (\u20b912,300) includes a detailed written report with lucky numbers, spelling tweaks, signature advice, key dates, and career-health insights \u2014 no calls involved. The second (\u20b923,100) adds a brief six-to-nine-minute video or audio consultation, covering a few personal queries.<\/span><\/p>\n Reports take around two-and-a-half to three weeks and are personally worked on by Jumaani. Payments are online, and privacy is maintained throughout. No refunds or cancellations are allowed once\u00a0booked.<\/span><\/p>\n While critics may term this as superstition, those within the industry swear by it. While Sastri compares it to weather reports, a mix of science, intuition and knowledge, Kochar is clear: \u201cAstrology is not about superstition or remedial measures. I will never endorse that. It\u2019s about understanding your strengths, weaknesses and potential.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n He recounts predicting Deepika Padukone\u2019s rise when she had no films: \u201cI told her that in time, she will be as good as Aishwarya Rai [Bachchan].\u201d He also claims to have predicted Madhuri Dixit\u2019s return from the US long before it happened.<\/span><\/p>\n In an industry where a single Friday can rewrite a career, perhaps it\u2019s not surprising that so many turn to the universe for direction. Whether you call it science, faith or survival \u2014 the stars behind the stars are clearly here to stay.<\/span><\/p>\n To read more exclusive stories from The Hollywood Reporter India’s September 2025 print issue, pick up a copy of the magazine from your nearest book store or newspaper stand.<\/span><\/p>\n To buy the digital issue of the <\/span>magazine, <\/span>please click here<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\nName Games & Number Spells<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nCrisis Management & Image Control<\/span><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nThe Price of Privacy<\/span><\/h2>\n