Veteran actor Sharmila Tagore has voiced her concerns about the changing dynamics of Bollywood, particularly the rising entourage costs of actors and the growing detachment from ground realities. In an interview with The Indian Express, the celebrated actor, who recently returned to the screen with the National Award-winning Gulmohar, reflected on how vanity vans and star demands are altering the essence of the profession.
“I am concerned about how actors today are not just charging exorbitant amounts but also traveling with entire entourages, including cooks and masseuses,” Sharmila said. Sharing an anecdote, she recalled, “While shooting an ad film, my makeup artist mentioned that actors now compete over the size of their vanity vans.”
Highlighting how vanity vans were initially meant for privacy and comfort, she added, “Today, these vans come with meeting rooms and resting rooms. While comfort is fine, this focus on extravagance pushes actors further away from what truly matters—their craft. Of course, making money is important, but moving away from reality makes it harder to connect with audiences and understand what resonates with them.”
Sharmila’s comments echo similar concerns expressed by filmmakers like Karan Johar, Farah Khan, and Anurag Kashyap, who have criticized the skyrocketing fees of stars, which often strain film budgets.
The veteran actor also lamented the loss of camaraderie in the industry, contrasting today’s atmosphere with her time. “When I won an award for Aradhana, legends like Nargisji and Waheeda Rahmanji were present in the audience. Kishore Kumar performed live on stage—it was a celebration of the entire film fraternity, not just Sharmila Tagore,” she reminisced.
However, she observed a stark difference in modern award shows. “Many actors arrive late, a new row is added just to accommodate the A-listers, and worse, no one interacts with one another. Everyone is waiting for a photo-op, and many skip the event if they’re not receiving an award,” she noted, adding, “Things have changed, but not necessarily for the better.”
Sharmila Tagore’s remarks have reignited conversations about the evolving culture in Bollywood, with many agreeing that the industry’s growing emphasis on luxury and exclusivity risks alienating the core values of the art form.