In a recent interview, actor Imran Khan has sparked a debate in Bollywood by criticizing actors who charge exorbitant fees, which he believes burdens the film industry. Khan praised Aamir Khan's ethical approach to film remuneration, highlighting his choice to take a lower upfront fee and instead share in the profits earned by the film.

Imran Khan expressed his concern that some stars are "exploiting the system" by demanding huge salaries upfront, regardless of the film's budget or potential profitability. He stated that if a film costs 30 crores to produce, some actors demand 40 crores, which raises the film's cost to 70 crores, with the actor's salary accounting for a large percentage of the budget. He sees this as "foolishness" that handicaps the film and enriches the actor at the film's expense.

Khan contrasted this with Aamir Khan's approach, whom he described as taking "personal responsibility and ownership of the film". He emphasized that Aamir Khan has consistently avoided taking large upfront fees, opting instead for a back-end deal where he earns based on the film's success. Imran Khan stated that Aamir Khan would never demand 60 or 75 crores as a fee upfront. He views this approach as a sign of faith in the film and a commitment to its success.

Imran Khan explained that stars with bigger "marquee value" can draw more attention to a film, which justifies a bigger budget. However, he believes that some stars have taken advantage of this dynamic, exploiting the system to their personal enrichment. He lamented an attitude where stars prioritize their earnings over the film's success, showing a lack of care for the project after securing their fee.

Aamir Khan has also previously spoken out against the trend of actors making extravagant demands on producers. He questioned why producers should bear the costs of an actor's staff, such as drivers, cooks, and assistants, arguing that stars earning significant amounts should cover these expenses themselves. Aamir Khan sees this as a matter of being a team player and not burdening the film.

Imran Khan's remarks come at a time when many Bollywood films are struggling at the box office, prompting introspection within the industry about budgeting and financial responsibility. His comments have reignited the debate about the balance between star power, financial viability, and ethical practices in filmmaking. He believes that increasingly actors are cast based on the film's budget and how much money can be extracted from the film. Khan's stance underscores the need for actors to demonstrate responsibility and belief in the films they undertake.