“Former US Content Creator Reveals Why Kal Ho Naa Ho Was Her Worst Job”

Insights from Ash Cantley’s Experience

Kal Ho Naa Ho, a 2003 film featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Preity Zinta, and Saif Ali Khan, is often celebrated in Indian cinema. However, American content creator Ash Cantley recently shared her negative experience on set, describing it as the worst job of her life.

Ash Cantley Shares Her Thoughts

During a TikTok Creator Summit in New York, Ash, known for her series “Talk Pop To Me,” revealed that she initially regarded Kal Ho Naa Ho as a trivial film. However, a fellow creator informed her of its significant cult status, likening it to “Titanic” in America.

Ash expressed her discontent, stating, “I worked on Kal Ho Naa Ho, and it was so bad that I switched careers. I was severely underpaid, making only $75 for demanding 12 to 17 hours of work each day as a set designer.” She vividly described redesigning a diner that was incredibly filthy and abandoned, labeling it the worst job she ever had.

Reactions to Her Claims

Responses to Ash’s video varied widely, with some viewers skeptical of her claims. In a follow-up video, she clarified that during her time working on the film, she didn’t own a phone with a camera, leaving her without proof to verify her statements beyond her IMDb page. She emphasized that wage discrepancies exist in both Bollywood and Hollywood industries.

Ash further highlighted issues of gender pay disparity within the entertainment industry, recalling that men were compensated significantly more than her during her tenure. “I was young and eager to break into the industry, so I accepted the pay,” she stated, shedding light on the often harsh realities of the industry.

Despite her personal struggles, Kal Ho Naa Ho remains a landmark film directed by Nikhil Advani and produced under Dharma Productions, celebrated for its impactful storytelling and box office success.