Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan has spoken out against the growing trend of actors making extravagant demands on film producers, calling it “a shame” for the industry. Speaking on Komal Nahta’s YouTube show Game Changers, Khan criticised stars who charge massive fees, arrive with huge entourages, and ask producers to foot the bill for personal staff and luxuries.
“Stars’ influence is fine up to a point, and that’s natural because audiences enjoy seeing them. But the producer’s money should go only toward what the film truly needs,” Aamir said. “Covering the make-up artist, hairdresser, or costume team makes sense—that’s part of the film. But why should the producer pay for my personal staff, like my driver or assistant? They work for me, not the film.”
Khan reflected on earlier industry norms, when producers often footed the bills for an actor’s personal staff. “I’m a very independent person. I don’t expect producers to pay for my staff. If they do, where does it end—will they also cover my child’s school fees?” he remarked.
He didn’t hold back on what surprises him today. “Nowadays, producers are paying salaries for an actor’s driver, the person serving tea and coffee, even personal cooks. Some actors even bring cooking vans or gym vans to the set, and the producer ends up covering that too. When someone earns in crores, can’t they take care of their own staff? Being a team player means not burdening the film.”
Khan emphasized that production costs should only cover things directly related to the film. “For instance, when I did a wrestling film, the training was funded by the producer. But asking them to pay for your cook? That doesn’t make sense. If you can afford it, take care of it yourself. No one will object, but don’t make the producer handle it.”
He also explained how he handles family expenses on location. “Even when I bring my family on outdoor shoots, I’ve never made the producer pay for it. I cover the extra costs myself. It’s unfortunate that some actors today are taking advantage of their star status. It’s a shame that even now, there are those who are unfair to their producers and films.”
With this statement, Aamir Khan has once again positioned himself as a star who values professionalism and fairness in an industry increasingly criticised for extravagance and entitlement.