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Last Updated: April 20, 2025, 18:01 IST
Shoojit Sircar addresses rising star fees and costly entourages in Bollywood, cautioning that high rates may lead to decreased work opportunities for actors.
Shoojit Sircar, a prominent filmmaker in Bollywood, has voiced concerns regarding the escalating fees of stars and the significant costs associated with their entourages. He argues that if these trends continue, actors may find their opportunities dwindling as directors prioritize budget constraints.
In a recent discussion with ANI, Sircar emphasized the need for a shift in focus from exorbitant actor salaries to the artistic vision behind filmmaking. “While I won’t delve into the specifics of entourage expectations or salaries, it’s essential for stars to reconsider their fee structures. Failure to do so may result in directors seeking alternatives,” he remarked. He added, “Directors should be allowed to realize their creative strategies fully without compromising due to an actor’s financial demands.”
A filmmaker celebrated for his works such as Piku and October, Sircar noted that he and his collaborator Ronnie Lahiri have consistently managed with controlled budgets. “We have always kept expenditures in check, which minimizes discontent. The talent we collaborate with understands that a film directed by me will prioritize authenticity and emotional depth over lavish spending,” he explained.
Sircar also expressed his concern about the stagnation in creativity within the industry, attributing it to filmmakers’ reluctance to take risks. “The Hindi film landscape seems to be suffering from a lack of innovation. We can’t continue to repeat the same narratives. Regardless of the genre, fresh and thoughtful ideas are essential,” he stated.
His latest project, I Want To Talk featuring Abhishek Bachchan, received favorable reviews but faced challenges at the box office. Reflecting on its performance, he admitted, “The theatrical results were disheartening for me. However, with its release on OTT platforms, the film is finally connecting with viewers.”
Sircar’s viewpoint is shared by veteran screenwriter Anjum Rajabali, who echoed the necessity for change within the industry. In an interview with SCREEN, Rajabali highlighted the disproportion between the fees charged by stars and the actual box office returns, stating, “When huge sums are invested in stars who repeatedly deliver underwhelming performances, it strains producers’ finances. It’s crucial for industry stakeholders to collectively recognize this and address it seriously. Given the treatment they receive, it’s no surprise that stars adopt a ‘nawab’ attitude.”
As industry professionals—from producers to screenwriters—advocate for more pragmatic financial practices and risk-taking in storytelling, it appears that a shift may be imminent in Bollywood, steering away from inflated egos and refocusing on meaningful narratives.
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