From Rajpal Yadav to Govinda: Bollywood actors who faced bankruptcy despite massive fame

Bollywood success is generally portrayed as glamorous, yet behind the curtains, several celebrities have struggled financially despite some of their box office hits. Big names like Amitabh Bachchan, Govinda, Rajpal Yadav, along with some other actors, went through dramatic highs and heartbreaking lows, from bad investments and unsuccessful production attempts to personal hardships and career breaks. Take a look at the actors who faced bankruptcy.

Rajpal Yadav
Rajpal Yadav, best known for his impeccable comic timing, is the latest name to face a major financial crisis after taking a large loan to produce the film Ata Pata Laapata. He recently had to surrender to Tihar jail as per the court order, marking one of the toughest phases of his life. However, Sonu Sood has come forward to support Rajpal Yadav, offering him a film. Politician Tej Pratap Yadav has announced the support of Rs 11 lakh to the actor and his family.

Govinda
With one hit after another, Govinda was one of the most financially viable celebrities of the 1990s. He became well-known due to his humorous timing, dancing skills, and widespread appeal. But his career hit a road bump once he abandoned cinema to concentrate on politics. Additionally, he allegedly made some bad financial choices and had to cope with the losses from films he attempted to make. He has acknowledged in interviews that he went through a period when job offers stopped coming in and that he had to sell real estate to manage his money.

Amitabh Bachchan
The veteran actor, popularly known as ‘The Angry Man’, dominated the 1970s and a significant portion of the 1980s with hits like Sholay, Zanjeer, and Deewaar. However, according to his 2013 interview with Mail Today, his entertainment company, Amitabh Bachchan Corporation Limited, accumulated debts totalling more than US$11 million (INR 90 crore) in 1999, leading to financial struggles. He then asked Yash Chopra, the director, for a part, and he was cast in Mohabbatein.

Jackie Shroff
In the 1980s and 1990s, Jackie Shroff captivated viewers with successful films like Hero, Parinda, and Ram Lakhan. Despite this, he encountered significant financial difficulties as a result of personal obligations and unsuccessful commercial endeavours. He allegedly borrowed money to stay afloat from friends in the business, such as Salman Khan. Salman allegedly assisted Jackie in paying back his debts and even extended job offers to aid in his financial recovery. Jackie has publicly appreciated the support he got during those difficult times.

Meena Kumari
One of the most recognisable actresses of the 1950s and 1960s was Meena Kumari. She was a legend in her own right, known for poignant dramas like Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Pakeezah. Her private life, however, was in disarray. Her final years were spent in severe financial hardship as she battled alcoholism, health problems, and a broken marriage. According to reports, she lacked the funds necessary for her own medical care. She died tragically at the age of 39.

Mithun Chakraborty
He became a megastar with his successes like Disco Dancer and Agneepath. He was one of the most successful performers in India at one point, working on many films every month. But his Ooty hotel business ended up being a huge loss-maker. He faced a severe financial crisis in addition to a waning cinematic career. Eventually, Mithun recovered by making a reappearance in local TV shows and films.

Preity Zinta
Known for her powerful roles and endearing on-screen persona, Preity Zinta was one of the most well-liked heroines in the early 2000s. She started her own production company and became a co-owner of the Kings XI Punjab IPL club after a successful film run. Not all of her business choices, though, were successful. She struggled with her producing endeavours and once acknowledged that she was under a lot of financial strain. She talked about the pressure of financial obligations and restless nights, even though she didn't file for bankruptcy.

Anupam Kher
Anupam Kher has won praise from critics for roles in Saaransh, Daddy, and Karma. In 2005, he transitioned to filmmaking with Maine Gandhi Ko Nahin Mara. Sadly, it failed, and the actor admitted to The Times of India that he had less than $60 in his bank account. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his subsequent film and theatrical roles, together with the founding of his acting school, Actor Prepares, helped him better his financial situation and reach his present US$70 million fortune.