“People Were Happier About My Failure”
Speaking at the home of producer Jackky Bhagnani and actor Rakul Preet Singh, Farah sat down for an informal chat that soon turned personal. Joined by Jackky and her long-time cook Dilip, Farah revealed the emotional toll that Tees Maar Khan’s underperformance had taken—not just because the film flopped, but because of how the industry responded.
“In our industry, more than being happy for your success, people are happier for others' failure,” Farah shared. “When Tees Maar Khan was released, there was literally a celebration in the film industry. People I had worked with were saying things like, ‘Ab aayi na line pe’ (Now she’s been put in her place).”
The film, starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif, arrived in theatres with high expectations and the buzz of chart-topping tracks like Sheila Ki Jawani. However, it failed to meet critical or commercial expectations and quickly became a punchline within industry circles.
A Cult Following with Gen Z
Despite the harsh initial reception, Farah revealed a surprising twist in Tees Maar Khan’s legacy—its resurgence among younger audiences.
“Tees Maar Khan is a legend with Gen Z,” she smiled. “They don't care for my other films. They think that’s the one.”
Whether it’s the campy humor, the viral music, or the film’s unabashed style, Tees Maar Khan seems to have found a second life on streaming platforms and social media, where Gen Z has adopted it with irony and affection.
Jackky Bhagnani on His Own Setbacks
During the conversation, Jackky Bhagnani also opened up about his own professional disappointment—the box office performance of his 2024 film Bade Miyan Chote Miyan. Drawing inspiration from his father, veteran producer Vashu Bhagnani, Jackky spoke of resilience and hard beginnings.
“My father once sold sarees on the footpath before making it big in Bollywood,” he said. “We’ve all seen tough times, and we bounce back stronger.”
About Tees Maar Khan
Released in 2010, Tees Maar Khan is a heist comedy directed by Farah Khan, starring Akshay Kumar, Katrina Kaif, and Akshaye Khanna. The film follows a flamboyant conman hired to steal treasure from a moving train, with chaotic consequences. Despite a massive promotional campaign and the mega-hit song Sheila Ki Jawani, the film was critically panned and labeled a commercial disappointment.
Over the years, however, its colorful visuals, over-the-top performances, and catchy soundtrack have earned it a loyal fan base—especially among younger viewers who celebrate it as a cult favorite.
A Story of Reinvention and Resilience
Farah Khan’s candid admission serves as a reminder of the double-edged nature of fame in the entertainment industry—where applause and criticism often go hand-in-hand. But with time, what once seemed like failure can evolve into something far more enduring.
In the world of cinema, it seems, even a flop can find its moment in the sun.
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