Bollywood’s Recent Struggles
In recent years, Bollywood has faced a downturn, with only a handful of films achieving significant box office success. Amid these challenges, discussions surrounding the financial burden of a star’s entourage have become more pronounced. Reports indicate that the costs associated with the support staff for film stars contribute to the overall film budget, making it difficult for films to recoup their expenses upon release.
Sunny Deol’s Royal Treatment
Actor Puneet Issar revealed that Sunny Deol has been traveling with a substantial entourage for many years. He recounted an experience from the set of the 1997 film “Border,” mentioning that Sunny’s travel style was akin to that of royalty back then, complete with a truck carrying his belongings. However, Puneet emphasized that Sunny did not place the financial burden of this entourage on his producer.
Sunny’s Impressive Setup
Puneet described Sunny Deol as a regal figure, stating, “Sunny is like a king. He travels like a king. His entourage travels with him,” adding specifics about the amenities, including cooks, a badminton court, and a complete gym setup. He also noted that Sunny would even offer to share the space in his truck for anyone else needing to transport their belongings.
A Different Era
When discussing the increased costs of entourages affecting film budgets in recent years, Puneet reflected that the dynamics were different in the past. He argued that Sunny would not impose these costs on the producer, reinforcing his viewpoint that Sunny, like Salman Khan, requires such arrangements for their well-being and fitness.
Historical Context of Star Entourages
Puneet pointed out that many prominent stars throughout history have traveled with extensive entourages. He highlighted icons such as Rajesh Khanna, Dharmendra, and Dilip Kumar, who also had numerous aides during their peak years in the industry.
Director’s Perspective
In a previous conversation with Humans of Cinema, director Anurag Kashyap criticized the excessive spending on “paraphernalia” associated with film productions. He emphasized that a significant portion of the budget does not go toward actual filmmaking but rather towards the comforts of the star’s entourage. He illustrated this by mentioning how crews might go to great lengths, even sending vehicles hours away just to fulfill personal food preferences, distracting from the filmmaking process itself.
