Shahid Kapoor, a veteran actor whose career spans two decades, recently enjoyed significant success with his debut OTT series, “Farzi.” Throughout his journey in the world of cinema, he has experienced both remarkable highs and challenging lows. Notably, some of his most outstanding work has emerged from his collaborations with director Vishal Bhardwaj. In a recent interview, Shahid Kapoor disclosed a remarkable detail about his involvement in Bhardwaj’s 2014 film, “Haider.”
During the conversation with Film Companion, Shahid Kapoor revealed an astonishing fact: he did not receive any financial compensation for his role in “Haider.” In fact, he emphasized that he was the sole individual among the cast and crew who contributed to the film without monetary compensation, stating, “I’m the only one who did it for free.”
“Haider,” a critically acclaimed production, featured an ensemble cast that included luminaries like Tabu, Kay Kay Menon, Irrfan Khan, and Shraddha Kapoor. Shahid Kapoor elucidated that his customary remuneration would have exceeded the movie’s budget. Consequently, the filmmakers were forthright in their communication, asserting that if they had to pay him, the film simply wouldn’t have been financially viable.
Shahid Kapoor further explained the circumstances, noting, “They couldn’t afford me. They said if they had to pay me, then the budget of the film wouldn’t get sanctioned because it was a very experimental subject.” Despite uncertainties surrounding the film’s reception, Shahid Kapoor found the project’s creative potential too compelling to pass up. Hence, he willingly offered his services without financial gain.
When questioned whether he had taken such a step for other films, Shahid Kapoor clarified that “Haider” was a unique exception. He affirmed that it was the solitary occasion when he forewent his usual fee. He shared a lighthearted laugh, expressing that while the experience was “wonderful,” it could only be an exception rather than a habit. He jestingly noted the practicalities, saying, “Ghar bhi chalana hai (I have to take care of my household as well).”
“Haider,” an adaptation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is widely regarded as one of Shahid Kapoor’s finest works, underscoring the depth of his commitment to the craft of acting and his willingness to invest in projects he believed in, even when it meant setting aside monetary considerations.
