Shah Rukh Khan Refused Rs 95 Lakh Payment After ‘Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam’ Flopped

Veteran producer KC Bokadia has shared a heartwarming anecdote about Shah Rukh Khan’s extraordinary generosity during the making and aftermath of the 2002 film Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam. Despite being owed Rs 95 lakh in pending fees, the superstar chose to walk away empty-handed when the film underperformed at the box office.

How the Film Came Together

Bokadia revealed that assembling the film’s star-studded cast — Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, and Madhuri Dixit — was no small feat. Salman was brought on board through his father, screenwriter Salim Khan, without a formal narration. Shah Rukh, meanwhile, agreed to join after watching the original Tamil film, Thotta Chinungi, even remarking, “I don’t understand such kind of films. But I will do it for you.”

The film was made on a budget of Rs 12 crore and earned approximately Rs 13.5 crore — a modest return that left the production financially strained.

SRK’s Remarkable Gesture

When Bokadia approached Shah Rukh about the outstanding Rs 95 lakh, the actor firmly declined. “You will have to pay me by selling off your assets,” SRK reportedly said, making clear he had no intention of collecting. He even refused a Rs 20 lakh cheque that Bokadia handed to his driver — it was never deposited.

Going further, Shah Rukh offered Bokadia his time for a future project at no cost, telling him, “I respect you. I love you, sir.” The gesture left a lasting impression on the producer, who described it as a reflection of the actor’s true character.