Imran Khan Criticises Inflated Star Fees, Says High Salaries ‘Handicap’ Bollywood Films

Actor Imran Khan has called out the practice of inflated star salaries in Bollywood, saying excessive upfront fees often cripple films financially and reflect a lack of faith in the project itself. The actor shared his views in a recent interview with ETimes, where he spoke candidly about rising costs, responsibility of stars, and sustainable filmmaking.

Imran, who recently returned to the screen with Happy Patel: Khatarnak Jasoos after nearly a decade, is also producing his next film, co-starring Bhumi Pednekar and directed by Danish Aslam.

‘Stars Are Exploiting the System’

While acknowledging that big stars command higher fees due to their box-office pull, Imran said the system has increasingly become exploitative.

“I understand that someone with bigger marquee value can bring more attention to a film. That’s valid,” he said. “But I believe we’ve reached a place where stars exploit the system.”

Drawing from what he learned from his uncle Aamir Khan, Imran stressed the importance of ownership and accountability. “In earlier generations, actors took personal responsibility for the film. Not necessarily by putting their own money in, but by caring about the film’s outcome,” he added.

‘Rs 30 Crore Film, Rs 40 Crore Fee Makes No Sense’

Imran criticised the practice of charging massive upfront fees that inflate production budgets and reduce profitability.

“If a film costs Rs 30 crore to make and I charge Rs 40 crore, the film now costs Rs 70 crore—Rs 30 crore for the actual film and Rs 40 crore for my salary,” he said. “What is the route to profitability then? And do I care about that? I should care—it’s my film.”

He argued that stars, especially those earning large sums, are best placed to take a calculated risk by reducing upfront fees and opting for backend profits. Calling the alternative approach “foolish,” Imran said, “You’re handicapping your own film and enriching yourself at its cost. That shows you don’t really believe in the film.”

Praises Aamir Khan’s Profit-Sharing Model

Imran cited Aamir Khan as an example of a more responsible compensation model. He noted that Aamir rarely takes large upfront fees and instead opts for backend deals tied to a film’s performance.

“Instead of demanding Rs 60 or Rs 75 crore upfront, he takes it on the back end. That’s faith in the film,” Imran said.

This model, he added, ensures that actors remain invested in the quality and success of the project rather than distancing themselves once they are paid.

Industry-Wide Debate on Costs and Accountability

Imran’s comments come amid growing scrutiny of soaring star fees and production costs in Bollywood. Aamir Khan has previously criticised actors for burdening producers with expenses such as personal staff, vanity vans, trainers and drivers, calling the trend “sad and harmful for the industry.”

Several top actors, including Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan, have reportedly adopted profit-sharing models in recent years. Filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap have praised this approach for keeping budgets under control, while producer Siddharth Roy Kapur has confirmed that two-part compensation structures—lower upfront fees combined with profit participation—are becoming increasingly common.

Imran Khan’s Upcoming Projects

Imran Khan is currently in post-production on his next film with Bhumi Pednekar, marking his return as a leading actor and producer. The project reunites him with Danish Aslam, who earlier directed him in *Break Ke Baad*. A release timeline has not yet been announced.