Farah Khan, the renowned choreographer-director, had recently shared an intriguing anecdote about Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan and their experience working together on the film Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa. The film, remembered for its charming simplicity and heartfelt performances, was produced on a modest budget, which led to several creative workarounds and memorable moments behind the scenes.
During an interview with Radio Nasha, Farah Khan reminisced about the financial constraints they faced while working on the movie. She revealed, "The film was made on a shoe-string budget. SRK was paid Rs 25,000 for that film. I was the highest-paid resource on that movie, I want to tell you. I was paid Rs 5,000 for each song on that film, and there were 6 songs. So, I was paid Rs 30,000." This statement highlights the early days of Shah Rukh Khan's career when he was still making a name for himself in the film industry.
One of the most interesting aspects of Farah Khan's recollection was her mention of how the budget constraints impacted the film's production choices. She explained, "For one song in the film, we didn't have the budget to pay the dancers. So, we hired all the locals in Goa. They had never done lip-sync and they didn’t know how to catch the beat. So, SRK used to lie down, out of the frame, and he used to pinch them to get up when the beat came." This anecdote not only reflects the ingenuity of the filmmakers in overcoming budgetary limitations but also showcases Shah Rukh Khan's dedication and involvement in the project, going beyond his role as an actor to help make the scenes work.
The film, directed by Kundan Shah of Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro fame, is a beloved classic that resonates with audiences even today. It starred Deepak Tijori, Suchitra Krishnamurthy, and Naseeruddin Shah alongside Shah Rukh Khan. Despite its limited budget, Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa was made on a budget of Rs 1.4 crore and grossed Rs 5.5 crore, which, when adjusted for inflation as of 2018, would be equivalent to Rs 80 crore. This financial success is a testament to the film's quality and the passion of everyone involved in its making.
Farah Khan also mentioned that the film didn't have a budget for assistants in each department, further emphasizing the financial constraints they worked under. She stated, "The film didn’t even have a budget for assistants in each department." This scarcity of resources meant that everyone had to pitch in and contribute beyond their designated roles, creating a close-knit environment that was crucial in bringing the film to life.
The story of Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa is one of triumph over adversity. It's about a group of filmmakers who, despite facing significant budgetary challenges, managed to create a film that is fondly remembered decades after its release. Shah Rukh Khan's journey from being paid Rs 25,000 for his role in the film to becoming one of Bollywood's biggest stars is nothing short of inspiring. His willingness to go above and beyond, even lying on the ground to help local dancers catch the beat, is a testament to his commitment to his craft and his humble beginnings.
Moreover, this film is remembered for its songs and Shah Rukh Khan's compelling performance, which continues to endear him to fans worldwide. The film's charm lies in its simplicity, the authenticity of its characters, and the heartfelt storytelling that transcends the constraints of its modest budget.
Interestingly, Shah Rukh Khan has bought the rights to the film under his banner, Red Chillies Entertainment. The movie was even remade in Telugu as Swapnalokam directed by Bhimaneni Srinivasa Rao, and starred Jagapathi Babu and Raasi, indicating its broad appeal and enduring popularity.
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