Renowned filmmaker Karan Johar has voiced his frustration with the growing trend of overcharging actors in the Indian film industry.
Speaking during a roundtable hosted by The Hollywood Reporter India, Johar expressed concern over how some A-list actors are demanding fees that match or even exceed the entire production budget, making it unsustainable for producers.
Citing an example, Johar referred to his latest production, Kill, where he chose to cast a fresh face due to the nature of the film’s concept. He explained that this decision was also influenced by the staggering demands of established stars. “When the budget is Rs 40 crore, and you’re asking for Rs 40 crore, how can I pay you?” he questioned. Johar emphasised that a film’s success is not guaranteed solely by the presence of a big star, underscoring the importance of balancing the budget sensibly.
Director Zoya Akhtar, who was also part of the discussion, echoed Johar’s sentiment, agreeing that inflated actor fees were becoming a problem for filmmakers. “You have to stop paying. That’s it,” Akhtar stated bluntly, calling for a more pragmatic approach to actor remuneration in the industry.
Johar’s comments come at a time when the film industry is facing mounting pressure to produce high-quality content within reasonable budgets, while also managing the expectations of actors whose fees have skyrocketed.
