Aamir Khan has always been known as someone who values discipline and sincerity over unnecessary showmanship in cinema. Over the years, he has built a reputation not only as a perfectionist in his craft but also as an actor who respects the effort and investment that go into making a film. Staying true to this belief, he has now raised his voice against what he feels is a disturbing culture in the industry, actors burdening producers with excessive personal expenses.
In a recent interview, Aamir Khan looked back at his early days and recalled how puzzled he was when he first discovered that producers were expected to pay not just for filmmaking essentials but also for things that had nothing to do with the movie. He questioned why the cost of a star’s personal driver or help should be forced onto a film’s budget. Drawing a sharp comparison, he said that if this practice continues, it might reach a point where producers are even asked to pay for an actor’s children’s school fees.
Aamir Khan made it clear that a producer’s responsibility should be limited to expenses directly tied to the film, such as makeup, hair, costumes and training specifically required for a role. Beyond that, he believes it is the actor’s personal responsibility. He explained that if his driver or staff work for him, it is only fair that he, and not the producer, pays them.
According to Aamir Khan, the problem has worsened over the years. He said that today’s actors expect producers to cover even more than just drivers and spot boys. They want their trainers, cooks and other staff funded by the production. Some even go as far as demanding live kitchens on set, with multiple vanity vans designed to accommodate gyms and cooking facilities, all at the producer’s expense.
Aamir Khan was firm in stating that while he has no issue with actors seeking luxury and comfort, it is unjust to make someone else pay for it, especially when actors themselves earn in crores. “It is shameful,” he said, pointing out how damaging such demands are to the health of the industry. In his view, this behaviour not only creates unnecessary pressure on films but also portrays stars in a poor light.
At the same time, Aamir Khan acknowledged that certain training-related expenses are justified if they directly enhance the film. He gave the example of Dangal where wrestling training for the cast was crucial and rightly covered by the producers but he insisted that anything outside such needs is simply unfair.
Speaking about his own practice, Aamir Khan shared that even when he travels with his family for outdoor shoots, he always pays for their expenses himself and has never expected producers to foot the bill. For him, it is a matter of principle. He concluded by saying that actors who misuse their position are only harming their own reputation and exploiting the very people who make their films possible.
Aamir Khan has certainly spoken the right thing, agree?
