Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher shared a remarkable story of standing up for his worth during an inspiring session at the International Film Festival of India 2025 in Goa. The acclaimed performer revealed how he literally stood on a coffee shop table to demand fair compensation after his film became a massive commercial success.
The Inspiring Session at IFFI 2025
During the Giving Up Is Not a Choice session at the 56th International Film Festival of India, Anupam Kher captivated the audience with stories from his extensive career. The veteran actor emphasized how he transformed professional challenges into triumphs throughout his journey in the film industry.
Kher participated in the session held in Goa on Sunday, where he detailed specific instances where perseverance and self-advocacy played crucial roles in his success story. His anecdotes highlighted the importance of recognizing one's value in the competitive world of cinema.
The Coffee Shop Confrontation
The most dramatic revelation came when Kher recalled his experience working on the 2002 sports comedy Bend It Like Beckham. Despite the film becoming a commercial hit, producer Deepak Nayar offered him the same fee of 5000 pounds for their next collaboration.
I did Bend It Like Beckham for 5000 pounds, Kher shared. When the producer approached me for another film at a five-star hotel coffee shop, he said he would offer the same amount. I immediately questioned him - 'You made 100 million from that film, why will you give me only that much money?'
When the producer hesitated, Kher took dramatic action that left everyone in the coffee shop stunned.
The Table-Top Protest
Kher described how the coffee shop was packed with people at 10 in the morning when he made his unconventional move. I stood up on the table instantly and shouted, 'Hello friends. This guy is Deepak Nayar. He gave me 5000 pounds for Bend It Like Beckham, but now he doesn't want to give me full money for another film,' the actor recounted.
The producer desperately asked him to sit down, but Kher continued his public appeal, demanding in Hindi: Paise deraha hai ki nahi? (Will you give the money I ask for?). His bold strategy worked perfectly, as the producer immediately agreed to his terms and asked him to sit down.
Kher concluded the story by connecting it to the session's theme, noting that giving up is not a choice when fighting for what you deserve. The actor later collaborated with the same producer on the 2005 romantic drama The Mistress of Spices, proving that professional relationships can thrive when fair compensation is established.
