The long-standing debate about the escalating costs of actor entourages in Bollywood has found new voices. Actors Kriti Sanon and Vicky Kaushal have recently addressed the issue, acknowledging its existence while offering a nuanced perspective based on their personal experiences.
The Core of the Controversy
For years, producers in the Hindi film industry have pointed to a troubling trend: actors traveling with excessively large personal teams, with all expenses billed to the film's budget. This practice is cited as a significant factor inflating production costs. In the challenging post-pandemic market, where recovering investments is harder, these added burdens are believed to push many projects into financial strain.
In a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter India, both Sanon and Kaushal were asked to comment on this pervasive topic. Their response was one of cautious acknowledgment rather than direct denial.
'We've Heard About It, Not Seen It'
Vicky Kaushal set the tone by clarifying their stance. "I think what we're saying is that we haven't seen it ourselves. We're not denying that it isn't true, I just haven't seen it, I've only heard about it," he stated. Kriti Sanon concurred simply, "Yeah, we've heard about it."
When pressed on potential solutions to control such costs, Sanon offered a pointed, albeit light-hearted, remark: "Maybe you are talking to the wrong actors." This suggested that the problem might be concentrated among a specific set of performers, not the entire acting community.
Distinguishing Necessity from Excess
Vicky Kaushal provided crucial context to differentiate between frivolous spending and essential expenses for a film's benefit. He emphasized that any financial burden on a project should be corrected. However, he explained that certain costs are legitimate and understood by producers.
"For example, if it's a 7-to-7 schedule, it's an action film, and my only time to train is at 5 in the morning, and the gym is in the opposite direction from the location, then having a gym on set probably helps," Kaushal illustrated. He argued that such provisions, including a trainer for an action role, are investments that directly serve the character and the film's quality.
Reacting jokingly to the mention of stars traveling with dozens of people, he added, "All of a sudden now I'm counting how many people I have come up with."
A Different Star's Perspective
This is not the first time an actor has commented on entourage culture. Previously, Varun Dhawan offered a different angle at the trailer launch of his film Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari. He shifted some responsibility onto producers, urging them to create a collaborative environment.
"We can keep blaming actors. Stories and blind items come out, we get trolled. All the muck is thrown on the actors. We need good producers also," Dhawan said. He shared his personal practice: "I have four people in my entourage. I never get my managers on set, because my father had made this rule that no managers will come on set."
The discussion, featuring insights from Kriti Sanon and Vicky Kaushal, highlights a complex industry issue. It underscores a divide between hearsay and firsthand experience, while also recognizing the need for a balance between fiscal responsibility and the legitimate requirements of filmmaking.
