US Influencer Claims "Kal Ho Naa Ho" Was Her Worst Job Due to Underpayment and Harsh Conditions
The 2003 Bollywood hit, "Kal Ho Naa Ho," starring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. However, a recent revelation from a US-based influencer, Ash Cantley, has cast a shadow on the film's production. Cantley claims that her experience working on the movie was "terrible" and the "worst job" of her life, citing significant underpayment and grueling working conditions.
Cantley, a content creator with two decades of experience as a TV producer and celebrity executive, shared her story in a viral Instagram video, explaining that the negative experience ultimately led her to change her career path. She stated that she worked as a set designer on "Kal Ho Naa Ho," and was tasked with revamping a diner set that she described as "abandoned" and "filthy".
Cantley recounted the demanding nature of the job, stating that workdays typically stretched between 12 and 17 hours. Despite the long hours and strenuous work, she says she was paid only $75 (approximately Rs 6,000) per day. Furthermore, Cantley alleges a significant pay disparity on set, claiming that her male colleagues earned around $125 (approximately Rs 11,000) per day, nearly double her wage.
In her video, Cantley clarified that she isn't angry but was young and eager to gain experience in the industry. She mentioned that the director, Nikkhil Advani, described the film as "like the Titanic of American films".
"Kal Ho Naa Ho," directed by Nikkhil Advani and produced by Karan Johar, was a major commercial success, grossing over ₹860 million worldwide. The film was shot in Mumbai, New York City, and Toronto. It tells the story of Naina Catherine Kapur (Preity Zinta), a pessimistic MBA student who falls in love with her neighbor Aman Mathur (Shah Rukh Khan), who is terminally ill. Aman tries to get Naina to fall in love with her friend Rohit Patel (Saif Ali Khan), as he fears she will grieve for him if he reciprocates her feelings.
The film is known for its memorable soundtrack, with songs like "Kal Ho Naa Ho," "It's The Time To Disco," and "Maahi Ve". The movie was promoted with the tagline "A Story of a Lifetime ... In a Heartbeat".
Cantley's revelations come at a time when the film industry is facing increased scrutiny regarding fair pay and working conditions. While "Kal Ho Naa Ho" remains a beloved film for many, Cantley's experience serves as a reminder of the potential challenges faced by crew members behind the scenes.
Notably, Kareena Kapoor, who was initially considered for the lead role in "Kal Ho Naa Ho," has been a vocal advocate for pay equality in Bollywood. She revealed that she had demanded pay equal to Shah Rukh Khan for the film but was ultimately replaced by Preity Zinta when her demands were not met.
