Even with an impressive net worth of around Rs 85 crore (as per a Live Mint report) , acclaimed filmmaker Farah Khan has admitted that her deepest fear still revolves around money. In an emotional conversation with tennis icon Sania Mirza on her podcast, the Om Shanti Om director reflected on the financial turbulence that marked her early life and how those memories continue to influence her outlook today.
A Painful Descent from Prosperity to Poverty
Farah was born into a family that once lived a life of comfort and status. Her father, Kamran Khan, was a successful film producer during his prime. However, a series of professional setbacks and his growing dependence on alcohol led to the family’s financial collapse. By the time of his passing, the family was left in severe financial distress. To support her household, a teenage Farah took up work at the age of fifteen, determined to ease some of the burden her mother carried.
Recalling those years, Farah described how the family’s once-spacious home had to be sold piece by piece. They moved from a luxurious five-bedroom flat to a single small apartment with just one bedroom and a hall. Since her mother legally owned the remaining hall, it became their only means of survival—she would rent it out during the day for people to gather and play cards.
Surviving on Daily Wages from Gamblers
Farah recounted that the card players would each contribute a few rupees, creating a small fund of about Rs 30–35 daily. That modest amount went towards buying basic groceries—milk, vegetables, and occasionally her father’s liquor. On days when the players didn’t show up, there would be no milk the next morning. However, when extra people joined the games, the family would treat themselves to something special, like mutton, a rare luxury in those days.
She shared that those hand-to-mouth years left a deep emotional scar. The constant exposure to her father’s drinking affected her so strongly that even today, the smell of alcohol brings back painful childhood memories. Farah recalled spending long hours at college simply to avoid returning home early.
The Lasting Impact of Financial Trauma
Despite her fame and wealth today, Farah confessed that financial insecurity still lingers within her. She feels most at peace only when she knows her finances are stable. This lingering fear continues to fuel her relentless work ethic. While she may not be directing films actively at the moment, she says she works harder now than during her early years in the industry, driven by an inner urge to stay self-sufficient and secure.
Understanding the Struggles of Outsiders in Bollywood
Farah also expressed empathy for outsiders who struggle to make it in Bollywood. She acknowledged that their resentment toward star kids is understandable since many of them face the harsh reality of paying rent and surviving in Mumbai with limited means. Compared to that, she agreed, the challenges faced by those from film families may appear trivial.
A Journey from Struggle to Stardom
Farah Khan began her directorial journey with Main Hoon Na in 2004, starring Shah Rukh Khan, which turned out to be a blockbuster. She followed it with hits like Om Shanti Om (2007) and Happy New Year (2014), earning her a place among Bollywood’s most accomplished filmmakers. Yet, behind her success lies a deeply personal battle with financial fear—one that continues to remind her of the resilience that shaped her journey from hardship to triumph.
A Painful Descent from Prosperity to Poverty
Farah was born into a family that once lived a life of comfort and status. Her father, Kamran Khan, was a successful film producer during his prime. However, a series of professional setbacks and his growing dependence on alcohol led to the family’s financial collapse. By the time of his passing, the family was left in severe financial distress. To support her household, a teenage Farah took up work at the age of fifteen, determined to ease some of the burden her mother carried.
Recalling those years, Farah described how the family’s once-spacious home had to be sold piece by piece. They moved from a luxurious five-bedroom flat to a single small apartment with just one bedroom and a hall. Since her mother legally owned the remaining hall, it became their only means of survival—she would rent it out during the day for people to gather and play cards.
Surviving on Daily Wages from Gamblers
Farah recounted that the card players would each contribute a few rupees, creating a small fund of about Rs 30–35 daily. That modest amount went towards buying basic groceries—milk, vegetables, and occasionally her father’s liquor. On days when the players didn’t show up, there would be no milk the next morning. However, when extra people joined the games, the family would treat themselves to something special, like mutton, a rare luxury in those days.
She shared that those hand-to-mouth years left a deep emotional scar. The constant exposure to her father’s drinking affected her so strongly that even today, the smell of alcohol brings back painful childhood memories. Farah recalled spending long hours at college simply to avoid returning home early.
The Lasting Impact of Financial Trauma
Despite her fame and wealth today, Farah confessed that financial insecurity still lingers within her. She feels most at peace only when she knows her finances are stable. This lingering fear continues to fuel her relentless work ethic. While she may not be directing films actively at the moment, she says she works harder now than during her early years in the industry, driven by an inner urge to stay self-sufficient and secure.
Understanding the Struggles of Outsiders in Bollywood
Farah also expressed empathy for outsiders who struggle to make it in Bollywood. She acknowledged that their resentment toward star kids is understandable since many of them face the harsh reality of paying rent and surviving in Mumbai with limited means. Compared to that, she agreed, the challenges faced by those from film families may appear trivial.
A Journey from Struggle to Stardom
Farah Khan began her directorial journey with Main Hoon Na in 2004, starring Shah Rukh Khan, which turned out to be a blockbuster. She followed it with hits like Om Shanti Om (2007) and Happy New Year (2014), earning her a place among Bollywood’s most accomplished filmmakers. Yet, behind her success lies a deeply personal battle with financial fear—one that continues to remind her of the resilience that shaped her journey from hardship to triumph.
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