When Shah Rukh Khan Refused To Charge Interest For Producing Ittefaq: 'Ye Haraam Hai Mere Liye'
Late filmmaker Ravi Chopra’s wife, Renu Chopra, in a recent interview, recalled how Shah Rukh Khan extended his support to her son, Abhay Chopra, during his directorial debut, Ittefaq.
Late filmmaker Ravi Chopra’s wife, Renu Chopra, in a recent interview, recalled how Shah Rukh Khan extended his support to her son, Abhay Chopra, during his directorial debut, Ittefaq, at a time when she lacked the financial resources to produce the film. Not only did SRK invest in the project, but he also refused to charge any interest on the amount he provided.
How SRK came on board for Ittefaq
In a conversation with Pinkvilla, Renu shared how the superstar got involved in the 2017 film. Renu recalled an instance when she expressed her desire to meet him. However, SRK declined her request to visit his place, insisting instead that he would come to her as a mark of respect. When weeks passed without him making the visit, Renu decided to take matters into her own hands and reached out to him.
During their meeting, she candidly told the actor about her financial constraints. She shared, “Maine kaha, ‘Dekh, paise mere paas nahi hai,’ toh he said, ‘Woh main laga dunga.’ Maine kaha, ‘Baki mere bacche puri tarah se dil laga ke picture banaenge’” (I told him, ‘I don’t have money,’ to which he responded, ‘I will arrange it.’ I assured him that my children would give their heart and soul to the film).
According to her, SRK didn’t even feel the need to read the script before deciding to back the project. His philosophy was simple: “I never back the horse; I back the jockey.” He assured her that if Abhay was committed to making the film, he would stand by him.
SRK refused to take interest
One of the most heartwarming aspects of SRK’s support, according to Renu, was his refusal to charge interest on the financial aid. She recalled his words, “And to this day… the money was always 50-50 down the line. And when the movie was completed, like all other finances, there was normally an interest rate. He said, ‘Nahi, ye haraam hai mere liye. Main nahi lunga’” (No, this is forbidden for me. I won’t take it).
About Ittefaq
The neo-noir mystery thriller, which marked Abhay Chopra’s directorial debut, was co-written by Chopra, Nikhil Mehrotra, and Shreyas Jain. A remake of the 1969 film of the same name, originally helmed by Yash Chopra, it starred Sidharth Malhotra, Akshaye Khanna, and Sonakshi Sinha in pivotal roles. The film garnered moderate success at the box office, earning ₹51.47 crore worldwide.
What’s next for Shah Rukh Khan?
Shah Rukh Khan is gearing up for his next venture, an action-thriller titled King, directed by Siddharth Anand. The film is rumored to feature his daughter, Suhana Khan, alongside Abhishek Bachchan in prominent roles.
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