John Abraham recently criticized the rising costs associated with celebrity entourages, joining others like Karan Johar and Farah Khan in voicing concerns. He expressed that exorbitant fees, such as ₹100 crore per day for actors and ₹2 lakh for stylists, are detrimental to Hindi cinema and questioned why such high demands persist when films are struggling. Abraham urged his peers to acknowledge the industry’s challenges and suggested that actors should profit only when films succeed. He emphasized the need for a reality check, urging fellow actors to engage more meaningfully in film production. Abraham’s upcoming film, The Diplomat, releases on March 15.
New Delhi:
John Abraham has become the latest celebrity to speak out against the escalating costs associated with entourages. Following in the footsteps of Karan Johar, Farah Khan, and Kabir Bedi, he voiced his opinions on the excessive demands from actors and urged them to take a reality check.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, John Abraham was asked to share his thoughts on “actors asking for Rs 100 crore per day and their stylists requesting Rs 2 lakh per day.” He candidly expressed, “It’s already harming Hindi cinema. Right now, we shouldn’t be compensating people for acting in films because we simply can’t justify those enormous budgets and fees. We can’t burden a film with entourage costs as well. It’s absurd.”
“I’m not sure if actors are genuinely thinking this way or if their agents are influencing their thoughts. I can’t comprehend that mindset. I get that you’re in a bubble, but you can’t be that oblivious. It’s essential to step out and view the real world. If people are constantly flattering you, it’s time to wake up and face reality. Our industry is genuinely struggling,” John Abraham stated.
The debate over inflated entourage costs continues as films featuring major stars are underperforming at the box office.
Offering advice to his fellow actors, John Abraham remarked, “Actors need to recognize that we’re in a deep hole, and they should work behind the scenes on the film. They should acknowledge that if the films are profitable, we will also benefit because we have rightfully earned our substantial sums. How much longer will you drain the system? But remember, you can’t clap with one hand. There are producers willing to pay those outrageous sums as well.”
John Abraham will next appear in the spy thriller The Diplomat. The film is scheduled for release in theaters on March 15 and has been directed by Shivam Nair.