From Raj Kapoor to Kamal Haasan: Celebrities who fought bankruptcy and emerged stronger

Raj Kapoor, celebrated as the ‘Showman’ of Bollywood, created a cinematic legacy few can match. However, his beloved directorial venture 'Mera Naam Joker' (1970) proved financially disastrous. Made on a massive budget, the film failed to attract audiences at the time and pushed Kapoor to the brink of bankruptcy. Years later, it gained cult status on television and overseas, but the relief came sooner with the blockbuster success of 'Bobby', which helped him recover financially and reclaim his position.

After reigning over the silver screen in the 70s and 80s, Amitabh Bachchan faced a severe financial collapse when his entertainment company ran into heavy debt. Struggling for work, he approached Yash Chopra, who cast him in 'Mohabbatein', marking the beginning of his resurgence. The launch of his hit TV game show revived not just his career, but also his financial stability. Bachchan bounced back stronger than ever and has remained unstoppable since.

Jackie Shroff faced major financial trouble after investing in his wife Ayesha Shroff’s film 'Boom' (2003), which turned out to be a massive failure. To repay debts, he reportedly sold nearly everything—including their home and even Tiger Shroff’s bed—and moved into a modest residence. Having already experienced hardship during his younger years, Jackie refused to give up. He worked relentlessly and rebuilt his life, eventually regaining stability and staying active in films and television.

Govinda ruled the 90s as Bollywood’s beloved ‘Hero No. 1’, but the arrival of younger actors pushed him out of the spotlight. The actor has openly shared that he spent years with no work, sinking into deep financial distress. He once didn’t even have money to pay for a rickshaw ride. During this tough phase, Salman Khan stepped in to support him, and their film 'Partner' played a crucial role in Govinda’s financial revival.

Kamal Haasan, a powerhouse performer and one of Indian cinema’s most respected actors, risked everything for his ambitious film 'Vishwaroopam'. He mortgaged all his assets to fund the project, but a temporary ban by the Tamil Nadu government left him under enormous debt. Once the ban lifted, the film performed strongly at the box office, helping him regain stability. Though he faced financial strain again in subsequent years, his 2022 blockbuster 'Vikram' ensured he could finally clear his debts and “eat to his heart’s content,” as he famously said.