Bollywood Celebrity Astrologers: How Big Decisions in Cinema Are Made After a Call to the Stargazers

“Ajay Devgn was already a star — but when he dropped an ‘a’ from his surname, he entered the ₹500 crore club,” reveals Sanjay B. Jumaani.

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’re conceived. From their own names to the names of their films, actors don’t make any moves without checking with the stars.

Name Games & Number Spells

Astrologer Sanjay B Jumaani.courtesy of the subject

“What’s in a name?” Shakespeare once asked. Jumaani, answers without hesitation, “A lot.”

Jumaani’s own career arc — transforming from a struggling salesman to one of India’s top celebrity numerologists — began with a simple shift: adding the initial ‘B’ to his name. The result? A new identity, and a new destiny. “I quit that job of 17 years,” he recalls, “and our [his and his father’s] first title, Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai (2000) went on to become a blockbuster.” That’s the power of aligning names with lucky numbers, he tells The Hollywood Reporter India.

This practice has only grown more popular with time. Simmba (2018) has an extra ‘m’, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai (2010) carries an additional ‘a’, and Ekta Kapoor, a long-time believer, used a double ‘a’ in her own name. “A small change in spelling can have a big effect on the spirit,” says Sastri. “When it’s lined up right, it boosts trust, chances, and even movie sales. That’s not magic; that’s smart energy alignment.”

Similarly, an article by India Today in June 2022 detailed a paparazzi video, where Uorfi Jaaved (who changed her spelling from ‘Urfi’ upon Jumaani’s advice) said, “Maine apni spelling change kar di. Mujhe ek numerologist ne bola tha ki thodi tarakki hogi, kaam milega. Viral hone se paise nahi milte [I have changed the spelling of my name. A numerologist had asked me to do this for success and more money. Being viral doesn’t bring me any money].”

But not all astrologers are of the opinion that adding a letter to one’s name changes their fortune. Kochar, known for his straightforward approach, offers a more critical perspective: “The trend of changing names and spellings started because of the movie industry. It doesn’t have logic because the names are in Hindi and the spellings are changed in English. It fails the purpose.” For him, astrology is about timing, not trendy spellings or superstition.

Astrologer Sundeep Kochar.courtesy of the subject

Speaking of trending topics, in showbiz, the moment when a trailer is dropped is often astrologically engineered. “Many actors, directors and producers seek astrological guidance before finalising film projects, selecting release dates, or even naming characters,” Sastri explains. From calculated muhurats to carefully aligned release windows, astrologers are consulted before the first clapboard strikes.

“Akshay [Kumar] had many flops till his 44th year,” Jumaani recalls. “Born on 9 September, I predicted that his 45th year — a nine-number year (four plus nine) — would be very good for him. He gave his first ₹100-crore hit [Housefull 2], OMG, and then another one.”

It’s not just about making changes and taking action, but about strategic pauses too. “I once analysed the chart of a rising actor who had Jupiter transiting his 10th house of career — a classic sign of recognition and growth,” says Sastri. “The film became a blockbuster. Later, Saturn’s transit signalled emotional strain, and I suggested a brief hiatus. He returned stronger, with better roles.”

“After all, astrology is all about understanding your timeline,” Kochar adds. “If time is not right, nothing will go right.”

And sometimes, it doesn’t.

Crisis Management & Image Control

The stakes in celebrity culture aren’t just about box-office numbers. One misstep — on or off-screen — can tank a career. That’s why many stars now turn to astrology for guidance through PR crises.

Astrologer Dr. Sohini Sastri.courtesy of the subject

“I have advised celebrities during PR crises by analysing their birth charts and current planetary transits,” says Sastri. “I tell them when to react in public, when to keep quiet. Harmonising energies can be done with certain colours, chants or actions.”

In one surprising instance, a celebrity even asked Sastri to pick the exact date and minute for a social media comeback. “The post went viral in a good way,” she says, “which changed how people felt about it almost right away.”

Because at the end of the day, behind the glamour, Bollywood is a deeply insecure place. “Ambitious people become celebrities,” Kochar observes. “They have insecurities and to keep being successful, they are willing to follow certain rituals, that can fall under superstition.”

For many, astrology becomes a way to control the uncontrollable — fame, audience reaction, critical reception and timing. “We study people’s important years and tell them to lie low when their time is not good,” says Jumaani. And when the stars align, he believes, success follows. That includes films like Sooryavanshi (2021), where even the spelling was changed based on numerological advice (using a double ‘o’ instead of a ‘u’).

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. “Gems have meaning,” says Kochar. “You can call it colour therapy or energies and associate planets with a person.”

Referencing Bachchan’s sapphires, he says, “But that doesn’t mean anyone wearing it can become like him. It rules his health. He’s in his 80s and still has the energy to work.” Sastri agrees, adding, “Certain colours can help people feel better.”

From name corrections to gemstone suggestions, it’s all about aligning one’s energy with the universe’s vibrations.

The Price of Privacy

Of course, for services that probe as deep into a celebrity’s personal life as these, confidentiality is key.

“Ensuring privacy for celebrity clients is paramount,” says Sastri. “Consultations are done through secure, encrypted channels. Personal information, charts and talks are kept safe and are never given to other people.”

Jumaani adds, “Certain things people ask us are confidential — even my wife doesn’t know.”

And it doesn’t come cheap. Jumaani offers two numerology consultation packages. The first (₹12,300) includes a detailed written report with lucky numbers, spelling tweaks, signature advice, key dates, and career-health insights — no calls involved. The second (₹23,100) adds a brief six-to-nine-minute video or audio consultation, covering a few personal queries.

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 booked.

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: “Astrology is not about superstition or remedial measures. I will never endorse that. It’s about understanding your strengths, weaknesses and potential.”

He recounts predicting Deepika Padukone’s rise when she had no films: “I told her that in time, she will be as good as Aishwarya Rai [Bachchan].” He also claims to have predicted Madhuri Dixit’s return from the US long before it happened.

In an industry where a single Friday can rewrite a career, perhaps it’s not surprising that so many turn to the universe for direction. Whether you call it science, faith or survival — the stars behind the stars are clearly here to stay.

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