Bollywood actor and producer John Abraham reveals the truth of the Indian film industry while speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India. John Abraham opened up about the escalating fees of actors, the increasing entourage costs, and how they are affecting the Hindi film industry. He expressed his concerns over the financial burden these factors place on film budgets and how it is impacting the quality of content produced in the industry.
John’s remarks come at a time when actor fees in Bollywood are making headlines, with some stars reportedly being paid up to Rs 100 crore per film. This, combined with the rising costs of entourages and stylists, has been causing the production budgets of many films to soar. According to John, this unsustainable trend is taking a toll on Hindi cinema.
“As an industry, we are really suffering”: John Abraham
John Abraham declared during the interview that the industry is “really suffering,” expressing how these inflated fees and overhead costs are damaging the future of Bollywood. He pointed out that many films are no longer able to justify their sky-high budgets, as they are often inflated by these excessive expenses. He questioned whether such payments were warranted, especially when the focus should be on content quality rather than extravagant costs associated with an actor’s appearance or entourage.
John Abraham went on to explain that the situation is compounded by a “mental practice” of paying stylists upwards of Rs 2 lakh per day, proving how disconnected this seems from the realities of filmmaking. He suggested that actors and industry professionals need to understand the current situation and the negative effects of these lavish budgets. “I don’t know if actors are thinking this way or if it’s their agent making them think differently. I understand you are put in a bubble, but you can’t be so daft. You need to see the real world,” he remarked, encouraging actors to be more aware of the industry’s struggles.
However, John was quick to clarify that the blame cannot rest solely on the shoulders of the actors. He acknowledged that producers also play a role in driving up the cost of filmmaking, as they are often willing to pay hefty amounts to secure big stars for their projects in hopes of ensuring box office success. As much as actors are demanding larger fees, producers are just as willing to meet those demands, contributing to the ever-increasing financial stakes of filmmaking in Bollywood.
John Abraham Opens Up About Being Objectified
John Abraham, known for his roles in films like Madras Cafe, Taxi No. 9211, and No Smoking, has always prioritized the quality of content over star power. According to him, the Hindi film industry needs to refocus its efforts on producing high-quality scripts and compelling stories, rather than getting caught up in the race to secure the biggest stars at any cost. “The Hindi film industry needs to prioritize content quality,” he said, urging filmmakers to return to their roots of storytelling rather than relying on star power alone to drive ticket sales.
Despite these frustrations, John Abraham is no stranger to the pressures of maintaining a physical image for the camera. He candidly admitted that, at times, he has felt objectified in Bollywood, particularly with the focus often being on his physique rather than his acting talent. “In fact, I was told more often than not that, ‘John, you are probably the only man who can be objectified by women,’” he shared, reflecting on the unique position he’s found himself in. While he didn’t necessarily mind the attention, John Abraham pointed out that it’s important to strike a balance between physical appeal and acting ability in choosing the right scripts.
