Karan Johar’s Dharma, Aditya Chopra’s YRF Pay Less, Says Vikram Kapadia: ‘They Have Ego…’

Last update:October 24, 2024, 9:06 am IST

Vikram Kapadia recently shared that Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films pay artists less than others in the industry.

50% of Dharma Productions acquired by Adar Poonawalla. (Photo credits: Instagram/X)

Dharma Productions and Yash Raj Films are two of the biggest and most popular names in Indian showbiz. They have backed several big-budget Bollywood films to date and are known for going all out on projects. Contrary to this belief, actor Vikram Kapadia, best known for his roles in Scam 1992, Made In Heaven and The Night Manager, shared that both houses tend to pay artists less than others in the industry.

During his conversation with Bollywood Now, Vikram discussed the challenges people often face regarding pay in the film industry. He mentioned that the two biggest studios, Dharma and YRF, are selfish and offer less to artists under the pretext that they are giving them opportunities. “Yash Raj and Dharma have this ego that we are Yash Raj and Dharma, so we will pay a little less, but you should be happy that we are paying you. I think they do this to everyone,” Vikram said, and added, “I think that’s why actors are worried.”

He further revealed that Yash Raj paid him well when he worked for them as a writer and he never delayed payment even if the salary was less. “Yash Raj paid me well as a writer, but hoga na kahi pe that hum Yash Raj hain. You’re getting a role, they’re cutting you some slack. So maybe the amount is a little less, but they never delay payment,” Vikram explained.

Earlier, Dharma Production owner Karan Johar spoke about how artists’ ever-increasing fees have been posing financial difficulties to producers. Speaking to Screen Magazine, the 52-year-old filmmaker and producer said: “The cost of the entourage is the least of our worries. It is the main remuneration of the actors that has to be analyzed.” He continued, “It’s very important for all actors to understand exactly what the times are like, what the mood of our films is like, and how hard and difficult it is to maneuver to make a film of any magnitude or size.”

In other news, KJo’s Dharma Productions has been acquired by Adar Poonawalla of the Serum Institute of India. The filmmaker confirmed that Poonawalla has decided to invest Rs 1,000 crore in Dharma Productions and Dharmatic Entertainment. While KJo will have 50% stake, the rest will go to Poonawalla-based Serene Productions. Additionally, the filmmaker will remain the creative head and executive chairman of Dharma. After this announcement, KJo and Adar Poonawalla were even spotted together at Manish Malhotra’s Diwali party.