Director and producer Karan Johar recently gave his two cents on the rising cost of star entourages which is becoming a growing concern in film production. He even quipped that he would like his children, Roohi and Yash, to become hair and makeup artists as they “are making more money than a lot of other people.”

In a conversation with journalist Komal Nahta on the Game Changer podcast, Karan shed light on how demands by actors is hampering the budget of films. “I can’t tell you the cost they charge for hair and makeup. I would like Roohi and Yash to become hair and makeup artists because they are making more money than a lot of other people. If they take that up, it’ll be very beneficial for them,” he said.

The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani (2023) director said that the issue needs attention—less from a financial standpoint and more from an ethical one. “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,” he said.

Karan questioned why producers should be expected to bear the costs of actors maintaining their appearance when it’s part of their job as an artiste. “You’re an actor, it’s your job to look good. So why should the producer pay for your trainer or your healthy food?” When asked if producers are taking steps to address this issue, Karan admitted that the lack of unity among them stalls progress.

“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.

Karan went on to say that the problem lies with actors who receive huge payments but still expect producers to pay for their needs. “Show some grace. It’s strange to me when these small issues become points of contention. I don’t understand why some actors travel with eight people in their entourage,” he added.

Karan recently produced Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound, India’s official entry to the Oscars, under his banner, Dharma Productions.