These Bollywood siblings struggled to arrange their father's funeral, had only Rs 30; now worth over Rs 125 crore

Several actors in Bollywood have had a tough time establishing themselves in the film industry and have shared their difficulties in interviews. One pair of siblings, who started with nothing, worked their way up to become some of the most recognized figures in the industry.

The Bollywood siblings in question grew up in poverty and were left with just Rs 30 when their father passed away. Today, they are among the most well-known figures in the film industry and live in lavish homes. They are none other than Farah Khan and Sajid Khan.

Farah Khan and Sajid Khan were born to Kamran Khan, a former stuntman who later became a filmmaker. They are also cousins to filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar. Farah began her journey in the entertainment world as a choreographer before transitioning to directing, while Sajid initially worked as a TV host and eventually moved into directing. Today, both are recognized names in Bollywood.

The brother-sister duo lost their father when they were 14 and 18 years old. Farah shared in an interview that when their father passed away, he left behind only Rs 30, and they had to face difficulties arranging his funeral.

She also remembered how, after her father’s films didn’t do well, her mother moved her and Sajid into a small storage room to live. Farah stated, "We have seen overnight failure. It was released on Friday, it was out of theatres by Saturday, and by Sunday we had become poor. He had put everything including mummy's jewellery because he was so sure that the movie would do well. For 13 years, till he died, he had no work. We had moved to 1 bhk from a 4bhk.” 

She added, “I don't want to sound like a tragedy because my dad had started drinking. From I was 5 till I was 13, we lived like that. Then my mom decided to leave with me and Sajid overnight, wo bhi ek picture ka scene tha (it was like a film scene). Jaha ab Soho house hai, waha Juhu beach ke bus stop pe raat ke 2 baje khade they- mummy aur 2 bachche (Where there is Soho house now, there my mom was standing at the bus stop at 2 am with me and Sajid). We took a rickshaw and went to live with Daisy Irani aunty for next 5 years.”

She also shared how difficult their situation was, with her mother working as a housekeeper in a hotel to support the family. She recalled, “Humare ghar mein literally kuch nahi tha, hum ghar ka darwaza khula karke sote they kyunki koi aayega to kuch dekar hi jayega, leke koi ja nahi sakta.”

Farah Khan began her career as a choreographer and got her first big break when Saroj Khan walked out of the film Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander, and Farah took over. After that, she never looked back, choreographing stars like Shah Rukh Khan in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa and working on international projects like Monsoon Wedding, Bombay Dreams, and Vanity Fair. She even trained Colombian pop star Shakira for a Bollywood version of her hit song Hips Don't Lie.

At 39, Farah made her directorial debut with Main Hoon Naa, starring Shah Rukh Khan and Sushmita Sen. The film became one of the highest-grossing films of that time. She followed this success with Om Shanti Om, Tees Maar Khan, and Happy New Year. Farah also made her acting debut in Shirin Farhad Ki Toh Nikal Padi.

Sajid Khan began his career as a television host, starting with the show Main Bhi Detective in 1995. He then hosted a music countdown show called Ikke Pe Ikka in 1996. His directorial debut came with Darna Zaroori Hai, and he later directed successful films like Heyy Babyy, Housefull, and Housefull 2, all of which were big commercial hits. However, his next two films, Himmatwala and Humshakals, were huge box-office failures. Recently, he appeared on Salman Khan's Bigg Boss 16 and is now waiting for the release of his upcoming film 100%.

Farah Khan is now India’s highest-paid choreographer, charging Rs 50 lakh per song, and she has a net worth of Rs 85 crore, making her wealthier than many younger Bollywood stars. Sajid Khan, according to reports, has a net worth of Rs 40 crore. Together, their combined net worth is over Rs 125 crore. Both siblings live in a luxurious home in Mumbai and enjoy a lavish lifestyle.