Bollywood is currently witnessing a period where several big-budget films are failing at the box office. These failures have intensified discussions about rising production costs. One recurring issue is that a large portion of film budgets is spent not only on star fees but also on their lifestyle demands and personal staff during shoots.
Celebrities like Farah Khan, Rakesh Roshan, and Sanjay Gupta have already criticized these practices. Now, Aamir Khan has also joined the conversation, voicing his strong disapproval. He questioned the grace of stars who continue to burden producers unnecessarily. According to him, it is shameful that actors exploit producers even when they can afford their own lifestyle.
Aamir Khan in Conversation With Komal Nahta
In a detailed conversation with film analyst Komal Nahta, Aamir Khan shared his perspective. He stated that stars deserve recognition, but their demands must never cross the line where producers suffer. He reflected on his early days in the industry, nearly 37 years ago, and recalled troubling practices.
Back then, producers used to pay salaries of a star’s personal staff, including drivers and helpers. Aamir admitted that he found it strange and unfair even then. He questioned why a producer should pay his driver’s salary when the driver worked for him, not for the film.
He went further, asking whether producers should also pay for a star’s children’s school fees if the same logic were applied. For Aamir, this highlighted the absurdity of the practice and the need for boundaries.
Why Producers Should Not Pay for Personal Staff
Aamir Khan clarified that producers must only spend money on elements essential for filmmaking. Makeup, hair styling, and costumes fall under this category as they directly influence the creative process.
But when it comes to personal staff like drivers and domestic helpers, Aamir believes the responsibility lies entirely with the star. He emphasized that actors earning significant amounts should never shift these costs to producers. He proudly noted that from the beginning of his career, he made it clear that producers would not pay for his driver or helper. Even after 37 years, he has stood firm on this principle.
Modern Stars and Extravagant Demands
Aamir expressed disappointment with the behavior of many modern actors. He revealed that several stars go beyond having producers pay for their drivers. Today’s demands include producers funding spot boys, trainers, and even personal cooks.
He also mentioned cases where actors set up live kitchens on sets and expect producers to cover all expenses. Demands for multiple vanity vans equipped with gyms and kitchens have also become common. According to Aamir, such requests cross the line between professional needs and personal extravagance.
Lifestyle Choices vs Producer Burden
Aamir Khan made it clear that he is not against stars enjoying a luxurious lifestyle. He accepted that actors may prefer comfort, personal chefs, or high-end trainers. However, his objection is when stars push these costs onto producers.
He asked a pointed question: “If stars are earning crores, where is that money going?” He expressed disbelief that actors with massive earnings refuse to spend on their own lifestyle. For him, this reveals a concerning trend that is damaging the industry.
He called the behavior dangerous, shameful, and unfair to producers who risk their money and reputation to make films.
The Ethics of Responsibility in Bollywood
Aamir Khan’s comments touch on a deeper ethical issue within Bollywood. The film industry thrives on collaboration between producers, actors, and creative teams. When actors burden producers with personal expenses, it disrupts this balance and undermines trust.
Many films collapse financially not because of weak stories alone but because of inflated budgets. When lifestyle expenses of stars inflate production costs, it becomes harder for films to recover at the box office.
Industry Practices From Past to Present
Aamir Khan also reflected on how practices have changed over time. In earlier decades, actors relied on producers for many expenses because their own earnings were limited. Today, with stars earning in crores, such dependency is no longer justified.
Yet, instead of reducing costs, many modern actors have increased their demands. Aamir pointed out the irony of stars asking for multiple vanity vans when only one is required for makeup and rest.
He stressed that the shift from need-based support to luxury-driven demands has created an unhealthy environment in the industry.
Impact on Producers and Filmmaking
High star fees are already a challenge for producers. Adding lifestyle costs only increases the financial strain. Producers often find themselves covering salaries of large entourages that include drivers, trainers, cooks, and bodyguards.
This reduces the money available for creative aspects like set design, visual effects, or marketing. As a result, films become financially imbalanced, reducing their chances of long-term success.
Aamir Khan believes that if stars shoulder their own lifestyle costs, budgets could be controlled better. This would allow producers to invest more in content and quality rather than unnecessary luxuries.
Aamir Khan’s Own Approach
Throughout his career, Aamir Khan has earned respect for his disciplined work ethic. He revealed that from day one, he took personal responsibility for his staff. By doing so, he ensured that no producer paid for expenses unrelated to the film.
He believes this approach not only respects producers but also strengthens professional relationships. By sharing his method, Aamir sets an example for young stars entering the industry.
Industry Reaction and Broader Debate
While Aamir Khan’s remarks are bold, they resonate with many in Bollywood. Producers, directors, and even crew members have long criticized unnecessary expenditure by stars. Aamir’s willingness to voice these concerns publicly may encourage others to speak openly.
His comments also contribute to the broader debate about Bollywood economics. As streaming platforms and global competition reshape the industry, efficiency and fairness become essential. Reducing wasteful expenditure may be the only way for films to remain sustainable.
Box Office and Audience Impact
Audiences today are more critical of films. A poor story or weak execution is no longer tolerated, even with top stars. Box office failures of expensive films highlight the importance of investing wisely.
When audiences sense that films are bloated with unnecessary costs, they often lose interest. Aamir’s call for financial responsibility may indirectly improve the quality of films, benefiting audiences as well.
A Call for Change
By highlighting these issues, Aamir Khan has sent a strong message to the industry. Stars must take responsibility for their own lifestyle costs. Producers should not be forced to cover personal demands unrelated to filmmaking.
If this change is implemented, Bollywood could see more balanced budgets, better films, and healthier collaboration between stars and producers.
Aamir Khan’s criticism of stars burdening producers with lifestyle expenses has reignited an important conversation in Bollywood. His remarks emphasize that stars earning crores must manage their own staff and luxuries instead of shifting costs to producers.
The practice of producers funding drivers, helpers, trainers, and live kitchens is unsustainable. It increases budgets unnecessarily and creates unfair pressure on films.
By sharing his own disciplined approach, Aamir Khan has set an example. His words highlight the need for ethical responsibility, financial discipline, and respect for producers.
As Bollywood faces new economic challenges, the industry must adapt. If stars begin to shoulder their own lifestyle expenses, the film ecosystem could become healthier and more sustainable. Aamir Khan’s voice may inspire much-needed reform, ensuring that creativity, fairness, and professionalism remain at the heart of Indian cinema.
