Veteran film producer Boney Kapoor has recently shared insights into how his daughter, actress Janhvi Kapoor, approaches film-related expenses, particularly concerning the rising costs of celebrity entourages. In a conversation, Kapoor revealed that Janhvi often bears certain expenses herself to alleviate the financial strain on producers.
Boney Kapoor explained that Janhvi is mindful of production budgets. He shared an instance where Janhvi had to travel to another city for a different film's shoot while already working on a project. In such cases, Janhvi pays for her own tickets, ensuring that the producer of her current film does not bear the additional cost. This commitment to minimizing expenses highlights her understanding of the financial pressures in the film industry.
The issue of escalating entourage costs has become a growing concern in Bollywood, with these expenses significantly inflating film budgets. Boney Kapoor addressed this issue, explaining that each star's entourage adds a daily expense ranging from ₹3-5 lakh, covering stylists and other team members. He emphasized the necessity of checking and controlling these costs.
Janhvi Kapoor herself has spoken about the rising entourage costs, acknowledging the financial burden on producers while also emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of her team. She advocated for open communication between actors and producers to balance costs and ensure the welfare of the crew. Kapoor stated that everyone on a film set is an artist, and she is very protective of her team and their rights.
She also noted that not all team members are solely driven by financial motives, suggesting adjustments can be made depending on the film's budget. She believes that if team members care about the craft, they would be willing to make adjustments.
The debate around entourage costs isn't new. Earlier, filmmaker Farah Khan criticized the trend as a "wastage of resources". Khan pointed out that the increasing number of team members accompanying actors adds financial strain without necessarily contributing to the on-screen outcome.
The price breakup for a star's entourage varies, but on average, a spot boy may charge ₹25,000 per day, personal security ₹15,000 per head per day, and a stylist up to ₹1 lakh. These costs can quickly add up, potentially reaching ₹20-22 lakh per day for a single star, translating to an additional ₹15-20 crore for a 70-day shoot.
Boney Kapoor's revelation about Janhvi Kapoor buying her own tickets underscores a growing awareness and effort within the industry to manage costs effectively. Janhvi's approach reflects a balanced perspective, acknowledging the financial constraints of filmmaking while also valuing the contributions of the team.