Bodyguards earn more than supporting actors, says Abhishek Banerjee

The financial dynamics of the Hindi film industry have come under scrutiny, particularly concerning the disproportionate earnings between top stars and other contributors.

Abhishek Banerjee, renowned for his roles in films like Stree, Bhediya, Dream Girl, and series such as Pataal Lok and Mirzapur, has shed light on the issue, revealing that sometimes supporting actors earn less than the bodyguards of major stars.

In an interview with Hindustan Times, Banerjee discussed the escalating budgets of films, often linked to the soaring fees demanded by top stars.

He emphasized that the responsibility lies with producers. "It's a star thing; one can’t blame actors for that. The producers have to decide," he stated. Having worked extensively as a casting director, Banerjee recounted witnessing unreasonable demands from stars. He noted, "I have been casting for movies and shows for many years now. So many unnecessary demands are made by certain stars. What happens because of that is actors ko paise nahi milte [actors don't get paid]."

He further elaborated on the financial constraints imposed on casting directors by producers, saying, "I would be told by makers, ‘Kam paise mein cast karo’ [cast for less money]. Sometimes good actors get peanuts for a show or a film. Star value gets people to the theatres, but an actor also adds value to a story. One can’t pay a star’s bodyguard more than an actor’s daily wage."

Banerjee described the situation as 'appalling,' particularly when production houses demand top talent without providing a sufficient budget.

An unnamed actor corroborated Banerjee's sentiments in an interview with The Indian Express, stating, "Most of the film’s budget goes to the star, then the entourage fees. By the time they come to others, they start cost-cutting. This leads to either good talent working for lesser pay or replacing them with less experienced people, which impacts the quality of the film."

The costs associated with a star's entourage also contribute to the skewed economics.

Anjum Rajabali, a veteran writer and Senior Executive Committee Member of the Screen Writers Association, expressed frustration over this trend. "A hairdresser, stylist of a star will end up earning more than the writer. What is their contribution to the success of a film and what is mine? This skewed economics hurt," Rajabali told The Indian Express.