Aamir Khan has recently voiced his disapproval of what he considers an emerging "shameful" trend among Bollywood stars, where they place excessive financial burdens on film producers. He highlighted the increasing demands made by some actors, such as requesting multiple vanity vans, including separate ones for gyms and even live kitchens on set.
Khan pointed out that it was becoming common for stars to expect producers to cover the costs of their personal staff, including drivers, helpers, trainers and cooks. He argued that these expenses should be borne by the actors themselves, especially considering the substantial earnings they receive. Khan believes producers should only be responsible for expenses directly related to the film's production, such as makeup artists, hairstylists, and costume teams.
He sarcastically questioned where this trend would stop, suggesting that producers might eventually be asked to pay for the actors' children's school fees. Khan emphasized that he has always been clear that his producers should not pay for his personal staff, as they work for him and it is his responsibility to compensate them. He further revealed that when he brings his family along for outdoor shoots, he personally covers all their expenses.
Sanjay Gupta, another prominent filmmaker, echoed similar concerns, revealing instances of actors demanding as many as six or even eleven vanity vans on set. These vans often serve various purposes, including personal space, makeup and hair, meetings, gym workouts, and food preparation. Gupta noted the irony of star couples insisting on separate kitchen vans despite living together. He contrasted this with veteran actors like Amitabh Bachchan, who never allow producers to pay for their staff. Gupta highlighted that what was once a team of two or three people accompanying a star has now ballooned to a team of 30.
These revelations have sparked discussions about the inflating production costs of Bollywood films, with reports indicating that a significant portion of the budget is allocated to stars' fees and their entourage expenses. The demands for personal chefs who meticulously prepare food and the logistics of managing multiple vanity vans contribute to the rising costs.
Industry insiders like Farah Khan and Rakesh Roshan have also criticized actors for making unrealistic demands, such as requesting six vanity vans and hiring personal chefs. Aamir Khan's recent remarks add to the growing chorus of voices calling for greater financial responsibility and a more equitable distribution of costs in the film industry.
