Aamir Khan slams stars ‘earning in crores’ yet burdening producers, calls the practice ‘shameful’

The rising culture of excess on film sets has drawn sharp criticism from Aamir Khan, who has labelled it “shameful” and damaging for producers. Speaking to Komal Nahta on his YouTube channel Game Changers, Khan reflected on how the industry has shifted since his early days. He questioned why producers are expected to pay for expenses unrelated to filmmaking. “Stars should get recognition, but not to a point where they trouble the producers,” Khan said. “The driver and the help work for me, so why should the producer pay them? If that’s the case, should he also pay for my kids’ school fees? Where will this stop?”

Aamir Khan stressed that producers should only bear costs directly tied to the film such as hair, makeup, or costumes. Anything beyond that, he argued, is a personal responsibility. He added that the problem has worsened today, with stars pushing bills for trainers, cooks, and even live kitchens on sets onto producers. “I hear that stars don’t care to pay their drivers, spot boys, or trainers. They even demand multiple vanity vans for kitchens and gyms,” he remarked. “These stars are earning in crores, yet they are unwilling to cover their own needs. It is very sad and harmful for the industry.”

The actor clarified he is not against luxury or comfort on sets but insisted the cost must not be shifted to the makers. Using Dangal as an example, he said specialised training for a role is a legitimate production expense, but unrelated personal costs should not be included.

Khan also underlined how he manages his own expenses when travelling with family for outdoor shoots. “Even today, I pay from my own pocket. I have never expected a producer to handle that. Stars today are misusing their status, and such demands only project them in the wrong light.”

The actor’s strong words come at a time when stories of inflated budgets due to vanity vans, personal staff salaries, and on-set luxuries are becoming increasingly common. For Khan, the issue is clear: if unchecked, these practices risk undermining both producers and films.