'Get out of the bubble, see the real world': John Abraham criticises actors charging Rs 100 crore, says it's hurting Bollywood

The growing expenses of Bollywood actors' entourages have become a major concern in the industry. These costs cover payments for personal staff, including hairstylists, makeup artists, fitness trainers, and stylists, often numbering five to six individuals. Actor John Abraham recently spoke out against this trend, calling it an unsustainable burden on the industry.

John Abraham's Concerns Over Industry Costs

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter India, John Abraham criticised the escalating entourage costs, saying, "It’s already hurting Hindi cinema. At this point of time, we shouldn’t be paying people to act in films because we don’t justify those huge budgets. The huge fees that we get paid, and we can’t load a film with entourage costs as well. It’s ridiculous."

He further questioned whether actors were aware of the impact of these expenses or if their agents influenced them. "Don’t know if actors are thinking this way or is it their agent making them think differently. I understand you are put in a bubble, but you can’t be so daft. You need to see the real world. If people are blowing sunshine from your backside, you need to wake up and smell the coffee. As an industry, we are really suffering.”


Abraham highlighted that some stylists earn as much as Rs 2 lakh per day, a cost he believes is negatively affecting the film business.

Actors Should Align Fees With Movie Profits

John Abraham suggested that actors should align their earnings with the success of their films. "Actors should admit that we are down the deep black hole, and actors should go to the backend and work on the film. Actors should say that if the films make profit, we make profits because we have earned our millions. How much more will you suck the system dry?"

Producers' Role in the Issue

While actors' fees contribute to rising costs, Abraham pointed out that producers also play a role in sustaining this trend. "But producers are all willing to pay those obscene amounts as well." He emphasized the need for a shift in approach, urging filmmakers to focus on quality content rather than star-driven proposals. "Make films, don’t make proposals. Today no actor can get you any opening. Get your content right and cast actors according to the script," he added.

Upcoming Projects

John Abraham will next be seen in Diplomat.