'Aaj tak paise nahin mile...': Shehzad Khan on unpaid dues
Actor Shehzad Khan reveals he never received payment for 'Andaz Apna Apna' and 'Shaka Laka Boom Boom' despite the projects' massive success.
Actor Shehzad Khan, son of the legendary late veteran actor Ajit, has broken his silence regarding his financial struggles following his stints in iconic Bollywood projects. Despite finding fame through memorable roles in the cult classic film Andaz Apna Apna and the beloved Hindi television series Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Khan has revealed that he has yet to receive his rightful payments for these successful ventures.
The Pain of Unpaid Success
Reflecting on his time working on the popular show Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Shehzad Khan expressed the deep emotional toll that financial injustice takes on an artist. He noted a bittersweet pattern where successful projects often leave actors struggling, while those who pay on time are easily forgotten.
"Uske paise aaj tak nahin mile...jin jin ke paise nahin mile na maine dekha woh project super hit hua hai," Khan remarked. He further shared that while people tend to forget those who fulfill their professional obligations, the sting of being cheated remains lifelong. "Jisne aapko paise dediye aap usko zyada yaad nahin rakhte lekin jisne aapko chot di hai jisne aapko paise nahin diye woh aapko marte dam tak yaad rahega," he added.
Contract Struggles in 'Andaz Apna Apna'
The actor's grievances extend to the legendary comedy Andaz Apna Apna, where he portrayed the character Bhalla. Khan shared a striking detail about the financial disparity he faced on set, noting that his own staff members ended up earning more than he did from the film.
He explained the discrepancy was due to their different payment structures. "Staff ne mujhse zyada kamaya Andaz mein. Last mein main apne staff se hi kehta tha, ‘Tu 100 de, 200 de,’ kyunki woh per day pe the aur hum contract pe. Humein jo signing amount mein mil gaya, bas wahi tha," he revealed.
Khan also touched upon his relationship with producer Vinay Kumar Sinha, mentioning that while the professional relationship eventually turned familial, it was not without its complexities. He recalled instances where outdoor shoots, such as in Ooty, occurred without the scenes even being filmed.
A Legacy of Comedy
While Shehzad Khan grappled with these financial issues, Andaz Apna Apna has transitioned from a modest theatrical release into one of Hindi cinema’s most cherished comedies. Starring Aamir Khan and Salman Khan, the film's quirky characters and unforgettable dialogues have secured its place as a staple of Indian pop culture.