In a stunning revelation that exposes the high-stakes world of Bollywood filmmaking, veteran director Vidhu Vinod Chopra has shared the desperate measures he took to ensure the survival of his 2000 political thriller Mission Kashmir.
The Ultimate Gamble: His House Was on the Line
Chopra disclosed that he had put his own house as collateral, warning his team that if Mission Kashmir failed at the box office, they would lose everything. "My house would be sold if the film flopped," the director revealed, highlighting the immense pressure and financial risk involved in the project.
Hrithik Roshan's Surprisingly Modest Fee
In what might shock contemporary Bollywood observers, Hrithik Roshan, who was riding the massive success of his debut film Kaho Naa... Pyaar Hai, was paid only Rs. 11 lakh for his intense performance in Mission Kashmir. This paltry sum stands in stark contrast to the crores he commands today and reflects the different economic landscape of Bollywood at the time.
The Bumbro Budget Bomb
Perhaps the most surprising financial detail involves the film's iconic song Bumbro. While Hrithik received Rs. 11 lakh, the production spent a staggering Rs. 1 crore just on this single musical number! The massive investment in the song's production values demonstrates Chopra's commitment to quality, even when working with constrained resources.
A Film Against All Odds
These revelations paint a picture of a filmmaker willing to risk everything for his artistic vision. The combination of minimal actor payments, extravagant production costs for key elements, and the director's personal financial jeopardy creates a dramatic narrative of passion versus practicality in Bollywood filmmaking.
Mission Kashmir ultimately proved to be a commercial success, saving Chopra's house and establishing itself as a significant film in both Hrithik Roshan's career and Indian cinema's exploration of complex political themes.
