Karan Johar, a stalwart of the Indian film industry for over three decades, recently opened up about a growing concern in film production—the rising costs associated with star entourages. In a candid conversation with Komal Nahta on his YouTube channel Game Changer, the director-producer shed light on how these extra demands are impacting the economics of filmmaking. He said, “I can’t tell you the cost they charge for hair and makeup. I would like Roohi and Yash to become hair and makeup artists because they are making more money than a lot of other people. If they take that up, it’ll be very beneficial for them.” While he acknowledged that entourage expenses are a relatively small part of the overall production budget, he stressed that the issue needs attention—less from a financial standpoint and more from an ethical one. He shared, “I have an ethical problem with entourages, not a financial one. We set a fixed budget for such needs. But if an actor wants anything beyond that, be it a personal trainer or specific dietary requirements, they should cover the cost themselves. I will pay for it only when it's essential for the film, like in a sports drama requiring a certain physique.” ALSO READ | Inside Anshula Kapoor’s Gor Dhana ceremony with Rohan Thakkar where Janhvi-Khushi performed bridesmaid duties. See photos Karan questioned why producers should be expected to bear the costs of actors maintaining their appearance when it’s part of their job as an artiste. “You're an actor, it's your job to look good. So why should the producer pay for your trainer or your healthy food?” When asked if producers are taking steps to address this issue, Karan admitted that the lack of unity among them hampers progress. “The producers are not united. We often discuss these matters, but no one follows through. However, we are now trying to bring change by capping the budget for hair and makeup. We tell them upfront this is all we can offer. If you want anything extra, please handle it yourself. And now, many actors are doing just that, which I respect.” He concluded by calling out actors who demand excessive support despite already receiving massive fees. “My problem is with actors who are getting mammoth payments and still expect the producers to pay for their basic needs. Show some grace. It’s strange to me when these small issues become points of contention. I don’t understand why some actors travel with eight people in their entourage.”
