Veteran actress Sharmila Tagore expresses concern over the shift in actors’ priorities, highlighting the growing obsession with vanity vans and excessive entourage culture.
December 17, 2024: Sharmila Tagore, one of Indian cinema’s most beloved icons, has voiced her concerns about the rising fees charged by actors and the increasing obsession with luxury and vanity in the industry. In a candid conversation with Indian Express’ SCREEN Live, the actress revealed her worries about the growing trend of actors traveling with entire entourages, including cooks and masseuses, and competing over the size of their vanity vans.
Tagore pointed out that earlier, vanity vans were simply a comfortable, private space for actors to prepare and dress for their roles. “Vanity vans were all about privacy and a comfortable place to dress up,” she said. “Now, they have become meeting rooms, resting rooms, and much more.” She further emphasised that the shift in how actors view these spaces, along with their increasing demands for lavish facilities, is taking the focus away from the core aspect of acting.
The actress expressed her concern that this growing culture of extravagance is distancing actors from reality. “This is pushing actors away from what actually matters… the acting. Of course, making money is important, but if you are moving away from reality, how would you know what works and doesn’t with the audience?”
Tagore also shared an incident from a recent ad film shoot, where the makeup artist revealed that some actors were in a “competition” over the size of their vanity vans, further highlighting the shift in priorities.
Sharmila Tagore, who remains a timeless style icon and one of the most respected figures in Indian cinema, has captivated audiences with unforgettable performances in classics like Aradhana, Kashmir Ki Kali, and Amar Prem. Despite the changing landscape of the industry, her passion for acting and dedication to her craft remains evident.
The actress, who married cricket legend Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, is a mother to Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan, and Saba Ali Khan. After a long hiatus, she made a notable appearance in the Disney+ Hotstar film Gulmohar alongside Manoj Bajpayee. Her next film, Outhouse, is set to release in theaters on December 20, where she stars alongside Mohan Agashe, Sonali Kulkarni, and Neeraj Kabi.
Tags:
Sharmila Tagore, Bollywood, Vanity Vans, Actors Fees, Film Industry, Acting, Celebrity Culture, Outhouse, Gulmohar, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, Saif Ali Khan, Soha Ali Khan, Bollywood Icon