Karan Johar was recently a part of an interview panel where he was joined by other filmmakers like Zoya Akhtar, Nikkhil Advani, Reema Kagti and Sameer Nair. 

During the conversation, host Anupama Chopra of Film Companion asked the producers about the pay disparity in the Hindi film industry and the rise in actors’ fees despite Bollywood going through a tough phase due to the shutting down of theatres in the last two years. 

Karan stated that he is fed up with young actors demanding over Rs 25 crore despite the poor performances of their previous films. He said that even during the lockdown when the films were releasing in theatres, a lot of younger actors increased their fees for no reason. 

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He said, “I am so fed up. I have seen prices of actors rise through the worst period of cinema for no reason. They hadn’t had a release, their last release was a failure, their films have not taken off, and yet they are just [rising their prices] because they are riding on the digital money. They have gone beyond deluded. And we all have to just suck it up and work with them because this is what we do.”

He further added, “They don’t understand. Because in the climate that we are in, nobody is taking theatrical backends. You are taking a percentage of profit instead, which you can offer as well. Striking those deals with megastars make sense. What I am not understanding is that there is a younger order that is yet to prove their muscle at the box office. But instantly, you hear [them asking for] Rs 25, 30, 35 crore. What are these numbers?”

He continued, “Then you want to show a report card to them and say, hello, this is what your last film opened to.” 

Zoya said that it is “offensive” that crew members are paid so less and these actors charge a bomb. Karan added to that, “I would rather pay top dollar to members of the technical crew, who actually make the film special.” He even wondered why he paid Rs 15 crore to some actors and Rs 55 lakh to editors who have actually saved a film multiple times. 

While Karan refrained from naming any young Bollywood actor, earlier this year there were reports of his falling out with Kartik Aaryan.  

The news of Karan dropping Kartik from Dostana 2 have been doing the rounds after which Dharma Productions had confirmed with a statement, "Due to professional circumstances, on which we have decided to maintain a dignified silence – we will be recasting Dostana 2, directed by Collin D’Cunha. Please wait for the official announcement soon." 

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So, was Karan hinting at Kartik while talking about "young actors"? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.

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