Subhash Ghai says actors now chase money over craft; recalls stars taking just 40 per cent fees for his films: ‘Today, commerce has taken over and it’s less about art’ |
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, the man behind hits such as ‘Khalnayak’, ‘Hero’, ‘Pardes’ and ‘Taal’, has shared his views on how the film industry has changed. In a recent interview, he said many of today’s actors give more importance to money than to their craft.
What Subhash Ghai said about actors and money
The director, who delivered several of the biggest films of the 1980s and 90s, believes business now drives the industry. In an interview with SCREEN, he said, “Commerce has taken over. Today, the children want to earn more money, and it’s less about the art. During our time, the actors wanted to be artistes and thought money will eventually come. Nobody would wait for the money. They would sign a film based on the director, the story and the character. Most of the stars in my movies have taken only 40 per cent of the price because they were interested in the character and the story.”
Subhash Ghai on managers, PRs and short-lived fame
Subhash Ghai also spoke about how actors now deal with offers. He added, “Today, if you ask any actor to take only 40 per cent fees, four of their managers will intervene, and 3 PRs will come in together to endorse the actor as a celebrity. Today, there are various other means of earning for actors rather than just movies. But again, they are seasonal; the craze dies down after 3-4 years. Then they are out of the picture, and somebody else walks in.”
Salman Khan shares similar thoughts
A similar point came up on ‘Koffee with Karan’ Season 9. Host Karan Johar noted that established Bollywood stars are still drawing audiences. He said 2026 saw successful films with big names such as Akshay Kumar, Ajay Devgn, Shah Rukh Khan and Salman Khan, which shows their generation is still relevant.Replying to Karan, Salman said, “We (our generation) are interested in our work. We want to get out of our houses and do good work. Sometimes, it turns out right, sometimes it does not.”The actor also stressed the need for a clear creative vision while making a film. He said, “The films that we make are films that every Hindustani would be comfortable to see with the whole family.”Subhash Ghai will be supporting the sequel of Sanjay Dutt-starrer ‘Khalnayak’.
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