Subhash Ghai says actors of this generation prioritise money over art, recalls how actors took 40% fees in his films
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Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai has expressed concern over the shift in the film industry, noting that modern actors prioritize financial gain over artistic integrity. He contrasted this with his own era, where talent and collaboration with directors were the primary motivations for signing projects.
The Shifting Paradigm: Subhash Ghai on Modern Cinema
Veteran filmmaker Subhash Ghai, an iconic figure behind classics such as Khalnayak, Hero, Pardes, and Taal, has recently voiced concerns regarding the evolving priorities within the Indian film industry. In a candid conversation with SCREEN, Ghai observed that the current generation of actors has shifted its focus heavily toward commercial gains, often at the expense of artistic pursuit. This commentary highlights a significant cultural transition from the collaborative, director-led model of the 1980s and 90s to the current market-driven environment.
The Erosion of Artistic Priority
According to Ghai, the fundamental motivation for actors has undergone a transformation. In previous decades, performers viewed themselves primarily as artistes, prioritizing the strength of the script, the director’s vision, and the depth of their characters. Ghai noted that in his time, actors rarely negotiated fees as their primary concern; they believed that financial success would naturally follow artistic excellence. Today, however, he argues that commerce has overshadowed craft, with younger actors increasingly focused on immediate monetary compensation.
A Legacy of Collaboration
Reflecting on his prolific career, Ghai recalled that many of the stars who appeared in his films, such as Anil Kapoor, Madhuri Dixit, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aishwarya Rai, operated under a different professional ethos. He specifically mentioned that actors in his earlier films would often accept significantly lower upfront fees—sometimes as low as 40 percent of their market value—to be part of a project they believed in. This flexibility allowed directors to allocate more resources toward production values and storytelling, which Ghai suggests contributed to the enduring success of those films.
The Longevity of the Titans
Despite his critique of the modern industry, Ghai acknowledged why certain stars from his era, such as Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, and Ajay Devgn, remain relevant today. By maintaining their professional foundations in an era where the director and story were paramount, these actors developed a longevity that transcends mere commercial trends. Their continued dominance in the industry serves as a testament to the values Ghai advocates for—a balance between star power and a commitment to the craft.
Broader Industry Implications
This shift toward 'commerce over art' has broader implications for the future of cinema. As actors demand higher fees earlier in their careers, the financial risk for producers increases, potentially leading to a more formulaic approach to filmmaking to ensure box office safety. Ghai’s reflections serve as a cautionary tale for the industry, suggesting that the drive for quick financial returns may eventually erode the creative quality that made Indian cinema a global force.
Conclusion
Subhash Ghai’s insights provide a rare window into the structural changes of the entertainment industry. While the business of cinema is inherently tied to financial performance, the veteran director’s perspective serves as a reminder that the most iconic performances often emerge when the pursuit of art is given the highest priority. Moving forward, the industry may need to re-evaluate how to balance the commercial realities of the digital age with the artistic integrity that defined its golden eras.
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