Stars who went bankrupt despite big hits

A respected character actor, A.K. Hangal appeared in timeless films like Sholay, Namak Haraam, and Lagaan. Yet in his later years, he struggled to even afford basic needs. At the age of 95, he was living in poverty and couldn’t pay his medical bills. When the news broke, the film industry was shocked. Celebrities like Jaya Bachchan and Salman Khan came forward to support him financially, but it highlighted how even beloved artists could be forgotten and left behind.

Govinda was one of the most bankable stars of the 90s, delivering one hit after another. His comic timing, dance moves, and mass appeal made him a household name. However, after stepping away from films to focus on politics, his career lost momentum. He also reportedly made some poor financial decisions and had to deal with losses from movies he tried to produce. At one point, he admitted in interviews that he had to sell property to manage his finances and went through a phase where work offers dried up.

Jackie Shroff charmed audiences in the 80s and 90s with blockbuster films like Hero, Ram Lakhan, and Parinda. Despite this, he ran into major financial trouble due to failed business ventures and personal commitments. It’s said that he had borrowed money from friends in the industry, including Salman Khan, to stay afloat. Salman reportedly helped Jackie repay his debts and even offered him roles to help him recover financially. Jackie has openly acknowledged those tough times and the support he received.

Meena Kumari was one of the most iconic actresses of the 50s and 60s. Known for emotional dramas like Pakeezah and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam, she was a legend in her time. But her personal life was in turmoil. Battling alcoholism, health issues, and a broken marriage, she spent her last years in extreme financial distress. She reportedly didn’t even have enough money for her own medical treatment. Her death at 39 was as tragic as her on-screen characters.

Mithun rose from humble beginnings to become a megastar with hits like Disco Dancer, Agneepath, and countless masala entertainers. At one point, he was doing multiple films a month and was one of the most prolific actors in India. However, his hotel business in Ooty turned out to be a major loss-maker. Coupled with a slowing film career, he faced a serious financial crunch. Mithun eventually made a comeback through regional films and TV, which helped him recover.

Preity Zinta was one of the most popular heroines in the early 2000s, known for her strong roles and charming screen presence. After a successful film run, she ventured into entrepreneurship – including a production house and co-ownership of the IPL team Kings XI Punjab. However, not all her business decisions paid off. Her production ventures struggled, and at one point, she admitted to facing serious financial pressure. While she didn't declare bankruptcy, she spoke about sleepless nights and the burden of financial responsibilities.

The legendary Raj Kapoor is considered one of Indian cinema's greatest showmen. However, his passion project Mera Naam Joker, took a massive financial toll on him. He invested everything he had into the film, which flopped upon release. To pay off debts, Kapoor had to mortgage RK Studios and was left struggling to rebuild. Ironically, Mera Naam Joker was later recognized as a classic, but the damage was already done.