Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan, during an interview with film analyst Komal Nahta on his YouTube channel “Game Changers” on September 12, 2025, in Mumbai, strongly criticised the trend among contemporary actors of making producers foot the bill for personal expenses unrelated to filmmaking. Khan highlighted demands like multiple vanity vans, personal trainers, cooks, drivers, and even live kitchens on set, calling it “shameful” and unfair. The comments, shared amid discussions on the industry’s rising costs, have sparked widespread debate on social media.
The Growing Entourage Culture
Khan reflected on his early career, recalling how he was surprised by actors expecting producers to pay for personal staff like drivers and spot boys. “There was a system where the producer would pay for the actor’s driver and his help on set. I found this practice very strange,” he said. Today, he noted, the demands have escalated dramatically. Stars arriving with entourages of 30 people, requiring six vanity vans, separate kitchens, and per-day payments for makeup artists and chefs, inflate budgets without contributing to the film. “These stars are earning in crores and yet are not capable of paying for their needs? I find this extremely strange. It is very sad and harmful for the industry,” Khan added, questioning if producers should next cover school fees or new flats.
A Fair Line Between Film and Personal Costs
Khan drew a clear distinction between legitimate production expenses and personal luxuries. “Producers should only bear costs directly tied to the film such as hair, makeup, or costumes,” he clarified, citing his Dangal (2016) experience where wrestling training was funded as it was role-specific. However, personal trainers, cooks, or unrelated amenities cross the line. “If the producer is paying my personal staff, does that mean he will also start paying for my kids’ school fees?” he quipped, underscoring the absurdity. This practice, he argued, takes advantage of stars’ status, hurting smaller producers and contributing to box office flops amid escalating budgets.
A Call for Change
Aamir Khan’s bold stand serves as a wake-up call, urging actors to separate personal indulgences from professional needs. In an era of OTT competition and post-pandemic recoveries, curbing such trends could foster sustainability. As Khan, a perfectionist known for 3 Idiots and Lagaan, leads by example, Bollywood might just listen—ensuring creativity, not costs, defines its future.
-By Manoj H