Actor Kal Penn, known for his roles in Hollywood films like Harold & Kumar and TV shows such as House, recently shared a challenging experience he had while working on a film in India. In an interview with the Indian Express, Penn detailed how he had to take drastic measures to receive his payment after it was repeatedly delayed.
Penn explained that he flew from the US to India and began working on the film “in good faith,” despite not having his payment upfront. He was warned by other Bollywood actors that he might not get paid unless he took a stand. With filming nearing its end and his salary still outstanding, Penn decided he had no choice but to stop showing up.
“With, like, three days left to go, I told everybody on set, ‘I’m not coming tomorrow until I get paid,’” Penn recalled. The crew was reportedly supportive, and the producers were initially receptive. However, when the next morning came and his car arrived to take him to the set, Penn told the driver he wasn’t coming in.
Shortly after, a financier called him, asking if there was a problem. Penn explained the situation, leading to a heated exchange. The financier eventually instructed him to wait in his room, promising that someone would arrive with the money.
A few hours later, a man appeared and handed Penn a “brown paper bag” filled with cash. To Penn’s dismay, it was only half of what he was owed. He immediately called the financier, who promised the other half the following day. Penn, expecting the worst, secured the cash in his room’s safe before returning to work four hours late. True to the promise, he was paid the remaining amount the next day. Upon returning to the US, Penn declared the cash and completed all the necessary paperwork.
Penn has appeared in a number of films throughout his career, including Express: Aisle to Glory, American Desi, and The Namesake, as well as the Indian-produced film The Ashram. His story sheds light on the sometimes-unpredictable nature of the film industry, both in India and abroad.