Arshad Warsi’s recent statements have stirred up quite a conversation in the entertainment industry, with reactions coming from Bollywood and the South film industry. The actor, who began his career in the early 90s, recently opened up about feeling underpaid during his time as a choreographer for Boney Kapoor’s production Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja in 1993. Now, Boney Kapoor has responded to these claims, offering his perspective on the matter.
Arshad Warsi’s Claims of Underpayment
In a recent interview with Samdish Bhatia, Arshad Warsi made waves by discussing the low payment he received for his choreography work on the 1993 film Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja. Before he became known for his acting roles, Arshad worked behind the scenes in the film industry. He mentioned that he was paid significantly less than what he was promised for choreographing the film’s songs.
Arshad claimed that he was supposed to be paid Rs 1 lakh for a four-day shoot but was only given Rs 75,000. His statement has sparked discussions, with many speculating about the working conditions and financial compensations of that era.
Boney Kapoor’s Response
Boney Kapoor, the producer of Roop Ki Rani Choron Ka Raja, has now addressed Arshad’s claims. In an interview with Bollywood Hungama, Boney Kapoor laughed off the controversy, expressing surprise that it took Arshad nearly three decades to bring up the issue.
“It was shot in 1992, and he is talking about it now,” Boney said, adding that Arshad was not a star at that time. According to Boney, the production initially expected the choreography to take four days, but music director Pankaj Parashar completed the track in just three days. Boney further stated that Arshad was paid Rs 75,000 for three days of work, which was Rs 25,000 per day.
Pankaj Parashar’s Take
Pankaj Parashar, who directed the track for the film, also weighed in on the matter. He clarified that he was not involved in the financial aspects of the production and was only responsible for directing the song at Boney Kapoor’s request. Parashar mentioned that the song was indeed completed in three days, and Arshad, being a newcomer at the time, struggled to manage the shoot effectively.
Boney Kapoor on Media Attention
Boney Kapoor also suggested that Arshad’s recent comments might be an attempt to gain media attention. “Everyone wants media attention these days,” Boney remarked, implying that the timing of Arshad’s statements might be influenced by a desire to stay in the public eye.
A Controversy from the Past
Arshad Warsi’s remarks have certainly reignited discussions about the dynamics of the film industry in the 90s. While the actor expressed dissatisfaction with his payment from decades ago, Boney Kapoor and Pankaj Parashar have both offered their sides of the story, highlighting the complexities of film production and the challenges faced by newcomers.
This incident serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of the film industry, where past grievances can resurface and ignite new conversations. As Arshad Warsi continues to make headlines, it remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold and what impact it might have on the industry’s current practices.
