Anupam Kher reveals that he demanded fair pay after being paid only 5000 pounds for Bend It Like Beckham: ‘Stood Up On The Table…’

Anupam Kher opens up on demanding fair pay after Bend It Like Beckham, read what he said.

In the glitzy and glamorous world of showbiz, it’s usually the picture-perfect life of celebrities that comes to the forefront. However, what happens behind the scenes, the struggles and challenges, hardly make it to the spotlight. Recently, celebrated actor Anupam Kher shared one such tale that was hidden behind the superficial success. At the 56th International Film Festival of India in Goa, veteran actor Anupam Kher shared an unforgettable anecdote about fighting for fair compensation during a session titled ‘Giving Up Is Not a Choice.’

The Bend It Like Beckham Offer That Sparked a Showdown

While addressing the audience, Anupam Kher shared how success does not always guarantee respect or fair treatment in the industry. Recalling the time, he asked for fair after the success of the 2002 sports comedy Bend It Like Beckham, he said, “I did Bend It Like Beckham for 5000 pounds. Its producer was going to make another film. He came to meet me at a hotel’s coffee shop and asked how much money I wanted for the role. He said he will offer the same amount I got for the previous one.”

Anupam said he was shocked at the offer, especially considering how much profit the earlier film generated. He told him, “You made 100 million from that film, why will you give me only that much money?”

When Anupam Kher Stood Up for Fair Pay

He further shared, “The coffee shop was full of people at 10 am in the morning. 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 entire café turned to look, leaving the producer embarrassed and speechless.

Anupam continued, “He asked me to sit, but I kept on going, ‘Paise deraha hai ki nahi? (Will you give the money I ask for?)’ He again asked me to sit, and then I sat down. Because giving up is not a choice.”

Throughout the session, Anupam Kher emphasised that moments like these shaped him. He told the audience how he transformed setbacks, unfairness, and reluctance into confidence, clarity, and courage.