The filmmaker stressed that this isn’t a financial concern but an ‘ethical’ one, highlighting that it needs attention and urging actors to act with grace.
Published: October 5, 2025 7:48 PM IST
Karan Johar has made it crisp and clear that actors with high entourages are not his favourites. In a recent interview, he expressed his concern for those actors who maintain large entourages. Calling it not a financial but an ‘ethical’ issue, the filmmaker emphasised that the matter deserves attention, urging actors to show some grace.
During an interaction with Komal Nahta on his YouTube channel, KJo said, “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.”
Karan argued that actors are responsible for their own appearance, so expecting producers to pay for trainers or healthy food is unreasonable. He added that producers should unite and take a decisive stand on the high entourage issue.
“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 said.
KJo also emphasised that actors who are already earning mammoth sums, yet want their producers to pay for basic needs, should show some grace.
Surprisingly, Karan’s interview comes days after Deepika’s exit from the sequel of Kalki 2898 AD. Reports claim that the actress was made to exit the film because she was demanding a 25 per cent hike in her fees, along with a 7-hour work shift.
