Raazi Actor Rajit Kapur Criticises Bollywood's Exploitation of Actors: 'Even If You Deserve Rs 20,000...'

The debate over the exploitation of actors and the rising costs of star entourages continues to dominate discussions in the film industry, with no clear solutions in sight. Recently, veteran actor Rajit Kapur, known for his role in Raazi, brought attention to the persistent struggles faced by actors, many of whom are underpaid, unpaid, or even working for free in hopes of landing future opportunities. Kapur pointed out that even if a supporting actor deserves Rs 20,000, the producers often bring it down to Rs 10,000.

In an interview with Unfiltered by Samdish, Kapur candidly addressed the lack of a structured system within the industry, attributing this as a major reason behind the pay disparities. He explained that casting agencies, which have only been around for about five years, haven’t made much of a difference. Before their emergence, directors and assistant directors were responsible for selecting actors, often leaving them in limbo, waiting for days without any assurance of payment. Kapur emphasised that there was no one to advocate for actors’ compensation, leading to a system rife with exploitation. “Even today there is exploitation. Even if you deserve Rs 20,000, they will say, ‘If you wanna do this, do it for Rs 10,000. Otherwise, there are a lot of people waiting for one opportunity.’ It happens to this day,” he revealed.

When asked whether the advent of casting agencies had improved conditions, Kapur responded that despite a facade of professionalism, the situation remains largely unchanged. He highlighted that while corporate employees are paid within 7 to 15 days, actors often wait up to 90 days for their payments. He added that standing up against a producer could result in losing future work.

Kapur also addressed the financial disparities within the industry, noting that stars often receive a significant portion of a film’s budget, while the supporting cast is told, “We don’t have money.” He recounted his response to such situations: “Thank you. When you have the money, call me. Don’t waste my time.” This, he noted, had become his standard approach.

Despite the rise of OTT platforms and the increase in opportunities they offer, Kapur pointed out that the problem of exploitation continues. He mentioned that OTT platforms still pay foreign technicians substantial amounts while neglecting to adequately compensate actors.