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Sharmila Tagore Expresses Concerns Over Rising Entourage Costs in Bollywood

Last Updated: December 16, 2024, 20:08 IST

Veteran Actress Comments on Changing Dynamics in the Film Industry

Sharmila Tagore, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry for nearly 65 years, has recently voiced her apprehensions regarding the escalating costs associated with actors’ entourages. This subject has gained traction, with filmmakers and producers, including Farah Khan and Anurag Kashyap, commenting on how contemporary filmmaking allocates less budget to the actual production and more to accommodating the growing needs of actors’ teams.

In a recent interview with SCREEN, Tagore highlighted her worries, stating, “I am concerned about how actors are not just charging huge amounts, but many even travel with cooks, masseuse, and an entire entourage.” She recalled an experience while filming an advertisement where the makeup artist mentioned that a competition has emerged among actors regarding the size of their vanity vans.

“Vanity vans were initially meant to provide privacy and a comfortable environment for preparation. Now, they are equipped with meeting rooms and lounging areas,” she noted. Tagore emphasized that such excesses risk distancing actors from the essence of their craft. “While financial success is significant, losing touch with reality could hinder understanding what resonates with the audience,” she remarked.

Furthermore, Tagore reflected on the diminishing sense of camaraderie within the Bollywood community. She fondly reminisced about past award ceremonies, sharing, “When I received an award for Aradhana, icons like Nargis ji and Waheeda Rahman ji celebrated alongside me. The experience was more about the film community as a whole rather than just an individual achievement.”

In contrast, she noted that many contemporary award shows seem to breed disconnection among attendees, with some arriving late and exclusive seating arrangements for top celebrities. “It has become common for attendees to prioritize photo opportunities and leave without engaging with one another. Many actors skip events entirely unless they are nominated for an award,” she expressed. Tagore concluded her comments by lamenting that, although change is a part of any industry, the shifts she observed may not necessarily be for the better.

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