In a recent interview, Bollywood actor Imran Khan, known for his roles as well as his work as a co-producer, expressed his concerns about the current remuneration practices among star heroes in the film industry. He highlighted that regardless of whether a film succeeds or fails at the box office, actors are demanding exorbitant fees, often disregarding the film’s budget entirely.
Imran Khan, who has recently completed filming for his latest project “Break Ke Baad,” emphasized that the selection of actors used to be based on the film’s budget. He stated, “This was a very sensible approach. Star heroes have the ability to attract larger audiences to theaters, while some actors may not possess the same capacity.” He pointed out that the current trend among star heroes shows a lack of responsibility, as they often demand astronomical fees without considering the financial implications for the film.
The actor elaborated on his thoughts, stating that in earlier generations, filmmakers worked hard and were not greedy about their earnings. “Now, it seems that star heroes are killing the film industry,” he lamented. He provided a hypothetical scenario: if a film’s budget is set at ₹30 crores, but an actor demands ₹40 crores as their fee, the total budget skyrockets to ₹70 crores. “How is that fair?” he questioned. “The budget of the film must be taken into account, and it is not correct to demand such high fees for films that may not warrant it.”
Imran Khan expressed frustration with the industry’s current dynamics, suggesting that the way star heroes are operating is detrimental to the future of filmmaking. He compared the industry today to a time when actors worked diligently for their projects without overstepping their financial demands. “Actors should be mindful of the impact their demands have on the overall production,” he asserted, stressing the importance of a collaborative approach in filmmaking.
In his critique, Imran Khan also referenced the profit-sharing model employed by his uncle, Aamir Khan, who opts to take a share of the earnings based on a film’s performance after its release. “This makes more sense; it is a smarter approach,” he stated. He cautioned against the mindset that prioritizes individual gain over the collective success of the film. “If you demand ₹60 or ₹75 crores without considering the quality of the film, that is simply foolish,” he added, emphasizing that such actions could lead to the destruction of the very industry that has nurtured their careers.
Imran Khan’s statements are a reflection of a broader concern within the film community regarding the escalating fees of star actors, which could jeopardize the financial viability of many projects. As the industry grapples with these issues, it remains to be seen how filmmakers, actors, and producers will navigate this challenging landscape in the future.
