In a recent statement, veteran actor Rajit Kapur raised concerns about the ongoing financial exploitation of character actors in Bollywood. His comments were echoed by fellow actor Akhilendra Mishra, who emphasised the challenges faced by those in supporting roles, stating, “Every producer wants to minimise costs. There’s no respect for the work we do.”
Mishra, known for his performances in films like “Lagaan” and “Ready”, elaborated on the current corporate culture in the industry. “The people negotiating salaries often lack awareness of an actor’s body of work,” he lamented. “They simply make a phone call and start bargaining without understanding who we are.”
At 62, Mishra voiced a grim reality: “Only stars receive substantial financial rewards in this industry. If a character actor falls ill, they often struggle to cover medical expenses. Many musicians, art directors, and actors fade into obscurity, passing away in poverty without anyone noticing. The money circulates only among stars and producers.”
According to Mishra, a significant part of the issue lies in the absence of a royalty system in Bollywood. He said, “We frequently compare ourselves to Hollywood, yet we lack a similar royalty structure. In Hollywood, even the person serving water on set receives royalties directly in their account, often without their knowledge. There’s a level of honesty and transparency there that we sorely lack.”
View this post on Instagram
Mishra acknowledged the commercial power of star actors but insisted that character artists are integral to a film’s essence. “While it’s true that films are sold on the strength of their stars, character actors are the soul of any production. Without strong performances from character artists, a film lacks depth and authenticity.”
Additionally, Mishra criticized the industry’s treatment of writers. He remarked, “Despite the significant investment in a film’s script, writers are often underpaid. India is a land rich in storytelling, yet we seem to lack original narratives. Instead, we often resort to adapting stories from the West, paying for rights rather than fostering our creative talent.”
Mishra’s insights reflect a growing concern within Bollywood about the financial disparities and recognition faced by character actors and writers, raising important questions about the future of storytelling in Indian cinema.
