The discussion regarding the escalating entourage costs for celebrities on film sets has been gathering momentum recently. This conversation has gained traction particularly as some big-budget movies in the past have failed to perform well at the box office. Nawazuddin Siddiqui, a critically acclaimed actor known for his forthright opinions, has shared his perspective on this issue.
In a candid revelation, Nawazuddin Siddiqui pointed out that the soaring costs associated with celebrities’ luxurious demands are not a new phenomenon but have always been a part of the industry. “There are numerous unnecessary demands that actors have; they want everything to be opulent,” he remarked. Siddiqui mentioned hearing about actors who own five vanity vans: “One for gymming, one for cooking, one for eating, bathing, practicing lines, and what not. Yeh paagalpan hai. koi paagal hi hoga jo paanch vanity van leke chalta hai.”
Taking a dig at these actors, Siddiqui questioned the rationale behind escalating production costs with such lavish demands. “Why would any actor want to increase the cost of production? This is absolutely wrong. Put money in films instead; that would be a better and wiser thing to do. Jo inn nawaabon ko shaunk hain woh toh film mein nawaabon ke bhi nahi honge,” said the seasoned actor.
Shifting the focus to himself, Nawazuddin emphasized that he does not engage in making such extravagant demands. “I just wish that I should work well and nothing else. Meri toh aisi koi demands nahi hoti. Production ke time se pehle main khada hota hoon shoot ke liye,” he asserted, highlighting his simplicity and focus on his work.
In an interview with Indian Express, Siddiqui elaborated on why he does not maintain a large entourage. “I don’t like it.
. For me, one thing is clear: you have fixed a certain amount as your fees, then you should do it within that budget. Yeh jo taam jhaam badhate hai, it is not being used in the film, toh koi matlab nahi uska (all this fuss is useless),” he said, criticizing the unnecessary expenses incurred by many actors.
He further added, “I have always stayed away from it because humaari filmein itni badi budget ki hoti hi nahi hai (my films have never been of such big budgets), frankly speaking. Even if the budget is big, I stay away from it because it is not the right thing na. It is not good for your field.” Siddiqui’s pragmatic approach sheds light on the unnecessary extravagance that could be redirected towards the film’s actual production.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s career is a testament to his dedication and hard work. He is currently gearing up for the release of his Zee 5 film ‘Rautu Ka Raaz.’ Celebrating an illustrious career, Siddiqui recently marked 25 years in the industry. Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received. “Jo maine socha tha, usse bhi upar mujhe uparwaale ne diya hai. I am thankful to my directors who gave me every kind of role to play,” he stated, acknowledging the pivotal role of his directors in shaping his successful career.
As the conversation about rising costs on film sets continues, Siddiqui’s straightforward outlook and candid remarks provide a crucial perspective. His stance against unnecessary extravagance and his call for focusing resources on the film’s production rather than personal luxuries resonate with a growing sentiment in the industry, especially in times when many big-budget films struggle to win audiences.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s comments serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the right aspects of film production. By choosing not to engage in lavish and unnecessary expenses, actors can contribute more meaningfully to the success and quality of their films. His approach not only reflects his dedication to his craft but also offers valuable insights into addressing some of the prevalent issues in Bollywood.
