Actor Amit Sial has responded to filmmaker Anurag Kashyap’s recent comments about Bollywood actors demanding fees for their entourage, a practice he claimed is contributing to inflated production budgets. Sial, known for his roles in gritty dramas and web series, pushed back against the blanket statement, urging the industry to avoid generalizing all actors.
In a candid post shared on social media, Amit Sial wrote, “Please don’t generalize. Some of us still come alone, in rickshaws or on scooters, do our work, and go home.” His response comes in the wake of Kashyap’s widely circulated remark that actors charging extra for personal staff like trainers, stylists, and managers is hurting film economics.
Sial added that many actors, especially those who come from non-filmy backgrounds, continue to work without unnecessary demands. “We show up with honesty and humility. Not everyone adds to the chaos,” he said, indirectly distancing himself from the “entitlement culture” often associated with big-budget productions.
Anurag Kashyap had previously stated in an interview that entourage costs sometimes exceed actor fees and that the film industry’s unsustainable practices are leading to financial instability. While his statement struck a chord with many producers, it has also sparked discussion among actors who feel unfairly painted with the same brush.
Industry insiders say the exchange highlights a growing divide between independent actors and Bollywood’s celebrity-driven culture. While stars come with massive followings, filmmakers are increasingly under pressure to cut costs in a post-pandemic market where returns are unpredictable.
Amit Sial’s call for nuance has resonated with many within the industry, especially among emerging artists who often operate without luxuries or large teams. His statement underscores the need to recognize the working-class spirit that still thrives in parts of Bollywood.
