Karan Johar Voices Concerns Over Actors' Entourage Costs, Advocates for 'Grace'

In a recent conversation, Karan Johar, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, addressed the rising costs associated with actors' entourages, deeming it an ethical rather than a financial issue. Johar, known for producing large-scale movies, shared his views on Komal Nahta's YouTube channel "Game Changer".

Johar stated that while entourage expenses might be a relatively small part of the overall production budget, the issue needs attention from an ethical standpoint. He highlighted that he has an ethical problem with entourages, not a financial one. He explained that a fixed budget is allocated for such needs, but if an actor desires anything beyond that, such as a personal trainer or specific dietary requirements, they should bear the cost themselves. Johar said he would only pay for it if it's essential for the film, like in a sports drama requiring a certain physique.

The filmmaker questioned why producers should bear the costs of actors maintaining their appearance when it's part of their job as an artist. "You're an actor, it's your job to look good. So why should the producer pay for your trainer or your healthy food?" he asked.

To address the issue, Johar revealed that he now gives actors a fixed budget for hair and makeup. He also expressed his desire for his children, Roohi and Yash, to become hair and makeup artists, joking that they would earn more money than many others. "Don't even get me started on the charges the makeup and hair artists take today. In fact, I would want Roohi and Yash to become makeup and hair artists because they are earning more money than other people".

Johar also called out actors who demand excessive support despite receiving substantial fees. "My problem is with actors who are getting mammoth payments and still expect the producers to pay for their basic needs. Show some grace," he urged. He added that it's strange to him when these small issues become points of contention and that he doesn't understand why some actors travel with eight people in their entourage.

He also noted that producers are now capping the budget for hair and makeup and informing actors upfront about the offer. If actors want anything extra, they should handle it themselves, which Johar respects, noting that many actors are already doing just that.

Johar admitted that a lack of unity among producers hinders progress in addressing the issue, even though they often discuss these matters. However, he stated that they are now trying to bring change by capping the budget for hair and makeup.

Johar's comments come amidst a broader discussion in the film industry regarding rising costs and the financial viability of film production. Some industry figures, like director Rohit Shetty, have defended actors, attributing rising expenses to broader economic trends affecting the entire production process. Meanwhile, other filmmakers such as Farah Khan and Anurag Kashyap have highlighted that the expenses of accommodating actors' entourages often surpass actual production costs. "Gadar 2" director Anil Sharma also criticized actors who increase their entourage costs when their films aren't performing well.

Previously, Johar has also spoken about high star fees, stating that the lead actor's pay requires an immediate review, even more so than the cost of their entourage. In July 2024, Johar mentioned that actors were asking for ₹35 crore for films that open to ₹3.5 crore. He has emphasized the need for actors to understand the current climate of the movie industry and reevaluate their remuneration.