Rs 7 crore spent on one Shah Rukh Khan song: Farah Khan reveals why it cost so much

Bollywood has always invested heavily in creating visually striking songs that capture audience imagination. Exotic locations, elaborate sets, and intricate choreography often define a film’s grandeur, sometimes at enormous costs. Among these ambitious productions, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s Gerua from the 2015 film Dilwale stands out, not just for its romance and scenic beauty but also for being the only Hindi song ever shot in Iceland.

Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, one of Bollywood’s most celebrated on-screen pairs, reunited in Dilwale, directed by Rohit Shetty. Known for their memorable chemistry in films like Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and Kuch Kuch Hota Hai, the duo continued to draw audiences with their performances. The film, made on a budget of Rs 165 crore, included the romantic track Gerua, which became a visual highlight and a fan favourite.


The Making of Gerua

Choreographer Farah Khan, who directed the song’s sequences, recently spoke about the challenges of shooting in Iceland. During a visit to entrepreneur Ashneer Grover’s home, Farah recalled how the couple mentioned their own recent trip to Iceland, prompting memories of the song’s filming. She revealed that Gerua remains the only Bollywood song ever shot in Iceland, a location known for its scenic beauty as well as high costs.

Farah explained that despite having only two actors, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, the production cost of the song reached Rs 7 crore. She highlighted the difficulties posed by Iceland’s climate, noting the extreme cold and logistical challenges that made the shoot demanding for both the actors and the crew.


Challenges in the Cold

The song was filmed across Iceland’s southern coast, including Reynisfjara Beach, Solheimasandur, Vestrahorn mountains, and volcanic landscapes. Kajol recalled enduring freezing temperatures, wearing multiple jackets and hoodies, while Shah Rukh Khan described the precautions needed on an iceberg to prevent slipping. Farah Khan and the director Rohit Shetty also admitted that the shoot was tougher than anticipated, joking about the unexpected cold despite it being summer in Iceland.

Despite the hardships, Gerua stood out for its breathtaking visuals and romantic appeal. The song’s success, however, did not reflect in Dilwale’s overall reception, as the film received mixed reviews. While the Rs 7 crore budget for a single song is substantial, it is not the highest in Bollywood; recent films like Game Changer spent significantly more on multiple song sequences.