During the vibrant film era of the 1960s and 70s, Kamran Khan, a former actor and stuntman, made a name for himself directing low-budget action thrillers. These B-grade productions featured popular wrestling icon Dara Singh and included titles like Beqasoor, Watan Se Door, Ilzam, and Panch Ratan. While these movies enjoyed modest popularity, Kamran eventually aspired to shift towards more mainstream cinema. Fueled by ambition and a desire to make a mark beyond the periphery of commercial entertainment, he staked his entire fortune on one major project.
Putting every asset he owned on the line, Kamran poured his savings into a new film and managed to rope in the acclaimed actor Sanjeev Kumar for the lead role. However, the project suffered a devastating blow when the actor abandoned it midway. Left with an incomplete film and mounting production costs, Kamran’s dream crumbled.
With debts running into lakhs, the collapse of the film left him financially devastated. The loss was not merely monetary—it triggered a downward spiral into alcoholism and deep mental anguish. For the next thirteen years, Kamran did not return to work. His health declined, his marriage fell apart, and he eventually died destitute. The family couldn’t even afford the cost of his funeral and had to approach his close friend, scriptwriter Salim Khan, who helped cover the expenses.
At the time of his passing, Kamran's children, Farah Khan and Sajid Khan, were still in their teenage years. Struggling to process the trauma, they were thrust into adult responsibilities far too early, compelled to earn a living and settle their father’s pending dues.
Farah Khan: Finding Joy Amidst Domestic Turmoil
During the Ajanta Ellora Film Festival, Farah Khan reflected on the turbulent early years that she and Sajid endured. Her solace, she recalled, came from cinema. While chaos unfolded at home, with their parents separating and financial distress worsening, the escape offered by movie theaters became her sanctuary. Films directed by Manmohan Desai and Nasir Hussain, with their vibrant plots and melodramatic flair, provided her with a temporary sense of peace and happiness. Despite personal instability, those three hours inside a darkened theater served as a balm during her childhood.
She shared that her father, though largely unknown to most, once entertained audiences with quirky action movies featuring Dara Singh. Titles like Robin Hood Comes to Bombay or Tarzan Comes to Bombay were typical of his filmography, blending fantasy with urban storytelling. She humorously recalled Singh parading around Mumbai in his Tarzan costume—a vivid memory amidst the gloom of financial ruin. But once Kamran poured all his wealth into a doomed film and it failed miserably, everything collapsed. Over the next decade and a half, her father remained unemployed and withdrawn. Times were brutally difficult.
When Luxury Disappeared: Farah’s Turning Point
Farah once confided to veteran journalist Karan Thapar that her father's death marked a dramatic shift in her life. Before his financial downfall, she lived a relatively pampered life. But that comfort disappeared rapidly. She told Thapar that her father passed away with just Rs 30 in his pocket.
Left with barely anything—only a roof over their heads—they lost their cars, her mother's jewelry, the music player, and all personal luxuries. The home that once held warmth turned cold and barren. They even resorted to renting out their living room for a few hours each day. People would host kitty parties or play cards in their drawing room in exchange for money, which helped them survive for a couple of years.
"I was a spoilt brat before that, and would get whatever I wanted and then suddenly everything changed… Only the house remained, and everything else went… The cars, my mom’s jewellery, the gramophone—everything. Finally, we were left with an empty house, two sofas, and a fan," she said.
Sajid Khan: Teenage Struggles and Reluctant Breadwinner
In a candid discussion on the YouTube show Timeout with Ankit, Sajid Khan recounted how their lives changed overnight. Typically, children inherit assets or financial security when parents pass on. In their case, Kamran’s death left Farah and Sajid with nothing but debts. At the time, Sajid was just 14 and Farah, 17. They owed Rs 3 lakh in 1984—a substantial amount for the time. With no roadmap for how to earn, the siblings promised their creditors that they would repay every rupee, bit by bit.
Farah turned to dancing, founding her own troupe, while Sajid began performing mimicry acts at birthday parties. On Sundays, he’d entertain crowds on the beach, collecting small earnings, which he would mostly hand over to Farah, while saving a little for movie tickets. Their childhood was transformed into a daily hustle for survival.
Living Without Basics: A Home Without Electricity or TV
Sajid also shed light on their daily hardships. Unlike most families in the neighborhood, theirs didn’t own a television set. There was only one fan to share, and at times they couldn’t even afford electricity bills. During two particularly difficult weeks, they lived without power and would sleep in the hall, huddled together under the single fan. There was no safety net or fallback option. They worked because there was no alternative. Despite the challenges, their mother, though working as a housekeeper in a hotel and living separately, insisted they complete their education. She did all she could—leaving home in the morning and returning at night—to make ends meet.
Sajid also spoke about the emotional weight of asking for money for their father’s funeral. He approached relatives but found no help. Eventually, it was Salim Khan—father of Salman Khan—who came forward and contributed funds so they could conduct the final rites. In spite of these blows, Sajid retained his humor, stating that while one can lose material possessions, the ability to laugh and entertain remains untouchable.
Farah Khan: From Choreographer to Blockbuster Director
Farah’s resilience and talent eventually propelled her to the top of the film industry. She began her professional journey by choreographing dance numbers, a skill that gained her widespread recognition. Her directorial debut came with Main Hoon Na, a film that struck gold at the box office and starred Shah Rukh Khan. This success was followed by Om Shanti Om, which not only emerged as a massive hit but also introduced Deepika Padukone to cinema. According to Sacnilk, the movie grossed Rs 152 crore globally.
Her third directorial outing with Shah Rukh Khan, Happy New Year, also featuring Deepika, further solidified her place in Bollywood. The film raked in nearly Rs 400 crore worldwide (Rs 397 crore), cementing her status as a bankable director.
Sajid Khan: Laughter, Success, and the Housefull Series
Sajid found his calling in comedy and direction. He became best known for helming the wildly popular Housefull franchise. Spanning five films, the series became a consistent box-office winner. Collectively, the Housefull films have amassed more than Rs 800 crore globally, highlighting his command over mass entertainers.
Life Today: Contentment and New Ventures
Farah has embraced the digital age and currently manages a thriving YouTube cooking channel. Her platform, which blends humor with culinary flair, has garnered 1.93 million subscribers. From a young girl watching movies for escape to becoming a celebrated director and now a digital creator, her journey is a testament to perseverance.
Conclusion: From Ruin to Remarkable
The story of Farah Khan and Sajid Khan is one of extraordinary resilience. Born into a home that went from cinema dreams to abject poverty, they refused to be defeated by circumstances. With grit, creativity, and an unshakable bond as siblings, they carved out successful careers, not only overcoming their past but triumphing over it.
Putting every asset he owned on the line, Kamran poured his savings into a new film and managed to rope in the acclaimed actor Sanjeev Kumar for the lead role. However, the project suffered a devastating blow when the actor abandoned it midway. Left with an incomplete film and mounting production costs, Kamran’s dream crumbled.
With debts running into lakhs, the collapse of the film left him financially devastated. The loss was not merely monetary—it triggered a downward spiral into alcoholism and deep mental anguish. For the next thirteen years, Kamran did not return to work. His health declined, his marriage fell apart, and he eventually died destitute. The family couldn’t even afford the cost of his funeral and had to approach his close friend, scriptwriter Salim Khan, who helped cover the expenses.
At the time of his passing, Kamran's children, Farah Khan and Sajid Khan, were still in their teenage years. Struggling to process the trauma, they were thrust into adult responsibilities far too early, compelled to earn a living and settle their father’s pending dues.
Farah Khan: Finding Joy Amidst Domestic Turmoil
During the Ajanta Ellora Film Festival, Farah Khan reflected on the turbulent early years that she and Sajid endured. Her solace, she recalled, came from cinema. While chaos unfolded at home, with their parents separating and financial distress worsening, the escape offered by movie theaters became her sanctuary. Films directed by Manmohan Desai and Nasir Hussain, with their vibrant plots and melodramatic flair, provided her with a temporary sense of peace and happiness. Despite personal instability, those three hours inside a darkened theater served as a balm during her childhood.
She shared that her father, though largely unknown to most, once entertained audiences with quirky action movies featuring Dara Singh. Titles like Robin Hood Comes to Bombay or Tarzan Comes to Bombay were typical of his filmography, blending fantasy with urban storytelling. She humorously recalled Singh parading around Mumbai in his Tarzan costume—a vivid memory amidst the gloom of financial ruin. But once Kamran poured all his wealth into a doomed film and it failed miserably, everything collapsed. Over the next decade and a half, her father remained unemployed and withdrawn. Times were brutally difficult.
When Luxury Disappeared: Farah’s Turning Point
Farah once confided to veteran journalist Karan Thapar that her father's death marked a dramatic shift in her life. Before his financial downfall, she lived a relatively pampered life. But that comfort disappeared rapidly. She told Thapar that her father passed away with just Rs 30 in his pocket.
Left with barely anything—only a roof over their heads—they lost their cars, her mother's jewelry, the music player, and all personal luxuries. The home that once held warmth turned cold and barren. They even resorted to renting out their living room for a few hours each day. People would host kitty parties or play cards in their drawing room in exchange for money, which helped them survive for a couple of years.
"I was a spoilt brat before that, and would get whatever I wanted and then suddenly everything changed… Only the house remained, and everything else went… The cars, my mom’s jewellery, the gramophone—everything. Finally, we were left with an empty house, two sofas, and a fan," she said.
Sajid Khan: Teenage Struggles and Reluctant Breadwinner
In a candid discussion on the YouTube show Timeout with Ankit, Sajid Khan recounted how their lives changed overnight. Typically, children inherit assets or financial security when parents pass on. In their case, Kamran’s death left Farah and Sajid with nothing but debts. At the time, Sajid was just 14 and Farah, 17. They owed Rs 3 lakh in 1984—a substantial amount for the time. With no roadmap for how to earn, the siblings promised their creditors that they would repay every rupee, bit by bit.
Farah turned to dancing, founding her own troupe, while Sajid began performing mimicry acts at birthday parties. On Sundays, he’d entertain crowds on the beach, collecting small earnings, which he would mostly hand over to Farah, while saving a little for movie tickets. Their childhood was transformed into a daily hustle for survival.
Living Without Basics: A Home Without Electricity or TV
Sajid also shed light on their daily hardships. Unlike most families in the neighborhood, theirs didn’t own a television set. There was only one fan to share, and at times they couldn’t even afford electricity bills. During two particularly difficult weeks, they lived without power and would sleep in the hall, huddled together under the single fan. There was no safety net or fallback option. They worked because there was no alternative. Despite the challenges, their mother, though working as a housekeeper in a hotel and living separately, insisted they complete their education. She did all she could—leaving home in the morning and returning at night—to make ends meet.
Sajid also spoke about the emotional weight of asking for money for their father’s funeral. He approached relatives but found no help. Eventually, it was Salim Khan—father of Salman Khan—who came forward and contributed funds so they could conduct the final rites. In spite of these blows, Sajid retained his humor, stating that while one can lose material possessions, the ability to laugh and entertain remains untouchable.
Farah Khan: From Choreographer to Blockbuster Director
Farah’s resilience and talent eventually propelled her to the top of the film industry. She began her professional journey by choreographing dance numbers, a skill that gained her widespread recognition. Her directorial debut came with Main Hoon Na, a film that struck gold at the box office and starred Shah Rukh Khan. This success was followed by Om Shanti Om, which not only emerged as a massive hit but also introduced Deepika Padukone to cinema. According to Sacnilk, the movie grossed Rs 152 crore globally.
Her third directorial outing with Shah Rukh Khan, Happy New Year, also featuring Deepika, further solidified her place in Bollywood. The film raked in nearly Rs 400 crore worldwide (Rs 397 crore), cementing her status as a bankable director.
Sajid Khan: Laughter, Success, and the Housefull Series
Sajid found his calling in comedy and direction. He became best known for helming the wildly popular Housefull franchise. Spanning five films, the series became a consistent box-office winner. Collectively, the Housefull films have amassed more than Rs 800 crore globally, highlighting his command over mass entertainers.
Life Today: Contentment and New Ventures
Farah has embraced the digital age and currently manages a thriving YouTube cooking channel. Her platform, which blends humor with culinary flair, has garnered 1.93 million subscribers. From a young girl watching movies for escape to becoming a celebrated director and now a digital creator, her journey is a testament to perseverance.
Conclusion: From Ruin to Remarkable
The story of Farah Khan and Sajid Khan is one of extraordinary resilience. Born into a home that went from cinema dreams to abject poverty, they refused to be defeated by circumstances. With grit, creativity, and an unshakable bond as siblings, they carved out successful careers, not only overcoming their past but triumphing over it.
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