Javed Akhtar Reflects on Rising Entourage Costs and Starry Tantrums: ‘If I Knew, I’d Have Been a Hairstylist’

October 17, 2024: Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, a legendary figure in Hindi cinema, recently shared his thoughts on the increasing extravagance in the film industry. Known for his work in iconic films like Sholay, Zanjeer, and Deewar, Akhtar opened up about the rising costs of celebrity entourages and the starry demands he has witnessed on modern film sets.

Appearing on comedian Sapan Verma’s comedy show Chill Sesh, Akhtar quipped about the startling fees charged by hairstylists for stars today—up to ₹75,000 per day. In his witty style, he joked, “Had I known about these hairstyling fees, I would’ve learned those skills myself!”

Akhtar compared today’s film sets to those of earlier times, noting the significant changes in how stars operate. He pointed out that many current stars require three vanity vans—one for working out and two for meals. He also remarked on the large entourages accompanying stars today, sometimes consisting of 18-19 staff members.

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In a lighthearted moment, Akhtar commented on the hairstylist fees, saying, “Unka woh aadmi jo baal thik karta rehta hai, woh 75,000 per day… if I had known, I’d have learned that skill myself!”

The Sholay co-screenwriter reflected that during his early career, stars were often “irregular and undisciplined,” showing up late to sets, but the industry didn’t have the financial excess it does today. Luxuries like multiple vanity vans or personal entourages were unheard of back then.

During the interview, Akhtar also spoke about his relationship with his children, filmmaker Zoya Akhtar and actor-director Farhan Akhtar. He humorously shared how they often view his writing as “outdated” and how they “dream in English.” He also recalled how Zoya asked him to write the dog’s dialogues for her 2016 film, Dil Dhadakne Do.

Akhtar, who is married to veteran actress Shabana Azmi, was recently featured in the documentary mini-series Angry Young Men alongside his former writing partner Salim Khan. The series, directed by Namrata Rao, explores the lives and legacy of the iconic screenwriting duo and is available on Amazon Prime Video.