Janhvi doesn't burden producers: Boney Kapoor amid Bollywood's entourage debate
What's the story
Amid rising concerns over the skyrocketing entourage costs of film stars, veteran producer Boney Kapoor has discussed his daughter Janhvi Kapoor's approach to handling travel expenses. In a recent interview with Game Changers YouTube channel, he revealed that Janhvi takes care of her own travel expenses when shooting for different films in different cities. "If she is traveling her maid...or traveling with any of her people...I have paid for their tickets, for the rooms also," he said.
Statement
Kapoor shared specific instances
Kapoor shared, "Once her cousin was traveling with her, so I paid for their tickets...for the rooms also." "Or when I have gone to see them, I have brought my own tickets and stayed in a room at my own expense." "In today's time, with every star there is an extra expense ranging from ₹1 lakh to ₹5 lakhs per day."
Family anecdotes
Anil Kapoor used to avoid laundry services in early days
Kapoor also shared his personal experiences with managing film budgets. He recalled how his brother and actor Anil Kapoor used to avoid laundry services in five-star hotels during his early career to save costs. "When Anil used to go on shoots in his early days, he didn't use to give his clothes to the laundry because in five-star hotels, laundry used to be very expensive," he said.
Systemic concerns
Corporate backing and studio involvement in films
Kapoor also addressed the systemic nature of this issue, stating that it is largely corporate companies funding films now. "The entire system is at fault and it can't be changed by one person," he said. "There are less producers working right now, and all these producers are backed by studios." "90% of the films nowadays are being made on tables. If an actor isn't available, they will go for another one, and corporate is ready to spend all the money you need."
Industry concerns
Anil's previous concerns over rising costs
Last year, Anil had also expressed his concerns over the rising costs associated with stars, including their fees and entourage expenses. He had called for more realistic demands from talent in the industry. "All actors, actresses, and technicians, especially the stars, need to be more realistic in charging their fees and demands so that filmmakers can make more films," he told Screen.