Choreographer-director Farah Khan recently revealed she earned more than Shah Rukh Khan for their 1994 film Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa. The revelation offers a nostalgic and surprising look at early Bollywood pay scales.
Image source:- Indian express
When Farah Khan Earned More Than Shah Rukh Khan
In a throwback revelation that’s taken Bollywood fans by surprise, Farah Khan shared that she was paid more than Shah Rukh Khan during the making of the now-iconic film Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa (1994). Speaking in a recent interview, Farah revealed that she received ₹5,000 for choreographing songs in the film, while Shah Rukh Khan was paid just ₹25,000 for the entire movie.
What’s even more surprising is that Shah Rukh had to return a large portion of his fee to the producer to help the film’s struggling budget. That effectively made Farah the highest-paid crew member, marking a rare moment in Bollywood where a choreographer out-earned the lead actor.
A Humble Beginning for SRK
At the time, Shah Rukh Khan was still an emerging actor, with Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa being one of his earlier performances that earned critical acclaim but wasn’t a massive commercial success initially. Directed by Kundan Shah, the film has since become a cult classic, with SRK’s portrayal of the lovelorn Sunil considered one of his most sincere performances.
Despite the modest pay, SRK has often expressed that Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa remains one of his favorite films of all time.
Farah Khan’s Rise in Bollywood
Farah Khan, who later went on to direct blockbusters like Main Hoon Na and Om Shanti Om, started her career as a choreographer in the early ’90s. Her journey from being behind the camera to directing some of Bollywood’s biggest stars is inspiring—and this anecdote further adds to her legacy as a self-made woman in Indian cinema.
She has been a long-time collaborator and friend of Shah Rukh Khan, making this light-hearted revelation more intriguing for fans who adore their camaraderie.
Social Media Buzz & Industry Reaction
The internet was quick to react to the story, with fans sharing nostalgic clips from the film and lauding both Farah and SRK for their grounded beginnings. The anecdote has sparked conversations about pay disparity, career growth, and how Bollywood has transformed over the years in terms of budgeting and stardom.
