Bollywood superstars Ajay Devgn and Akshay Kumar are basking in the triumph of Rohit Shetty’s ‘Singham Again’, which has emerged as a box office juggernaut. The action-packed blockbuster sees Devgn reprising his role as Bajirao Singham and Kumar returning as Veer Sooryavanshi. The film’s success marks a critical win for Akshay Kumar, who had faced a string of box office setbacks earlier this year with films like Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Sarfira, and Khel Khel Mein failing to perform.
The duo recently spoke about industry dynamics, actor remunerations, and Bollywood’s internal challenges during their appearance at the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit 2024. Addressing speculations that inflated actor salaries contribute to high film budgets, Kumar and Devgn clarified the current pay structures in the industry.
Actors Taking Financial Risks
Ajay Devgn emphasized that actors tailor their fees to the project’s potential, saying, “The actors charge according to scripts, films, and projects. Most of us are charging according to recoveries.” Akshay Kumar elaborated, revealing that many actors now forgo upfront payments in favor of profit-sharing models. “If we sign a film today, we don’t charge anything; we just take a stake. If it works, we get a share in the profit, but if it doesn’t, we don’t get any money,” he explained.
Kumar also highlighted how this approach creates a more equitable system where actors share financial risks with producers. “Sometimes, there is no share, either. Then you have to let go of the price. That’s also passion,” he added, underlining the importance of commitment to the craft over monetary gains.
Bollywood’s Lack of Unity
Ajay Devgn didn’t shy away from addressing another pressing issue: the lack of camaraderie within Bollywood. When asked about the difference between Bollywood and the South Indian film industries, he remarked, “There is a clear lack of unity in Bollywood. I really appreciate how the people in the South industries come together and stand for each other as an industry, which, honestly speaking, we lack in the Mumbai film industry.”
Akshay Kumar echoed these sentiments, admitting, “I agree that we don’t have much unity.” Devgn reiterated the need for Bollywood to adopt a more collaborative spirit, saying, “It’s not about openings, which are a different story together, as a lot of things come into play. But I always want that unity to happen.”
The candid insights from the stars highlight the challenges Bollywood faces in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape. As Singham Again continues its triumphant run, Devgn and Kumar’s comments serve as a call for introspection and reform in the Hindi film industry, emphasizing collaboration, financial prudence, and a shared vision for its future.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
