Dharma Productions, YRF have ‘ego’, pay actors less: Actor Vikram Kapadia

Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films are among the biggest production houses in the Hindi film industry, known for delivering major box office spectacles for years. A debut with either is considered a significant break.
However, actor Vikram Kapadia, known for his roles in films like Kapoor and Sons and Yodha, as well as web series like The Night Manager, Made in Heaven, and Scam 1992, claims that these two production houses pay actors less due to their “ego.”
In a recent interview, Kapadia addressed what he perceives as an “ego” associated with these prestigious studios, suggesting that it affects their compensation practices. “Yash Raj and Dharma have this ego that we are Yash Raj and Dharma, so we will pay you a little less but you should be happy because we are paying you,” he told Bollywood Now.
“I think they do that with everyone. I think that’s why actors are concerned,” the actor added.
While acknowledging that Yash Raj Films compensated him well during his time as a writer, he emphasised a prevalent sentiment among actors regarding their pay. “They’re giving you a break, so maybe the value is a little less, but they never delay in payment,” he noted.
Kapadia’s remarks come at a time when discussions about the hefty fees of stars in the film industry are prevalent. Recently, Karan Johar said that he has stopped giving in to the hefty fees demanded by actors, something he used to do earlier in his career.
“I don’t pay any more. I’ve said, ‘Thank you very much, I can’t pay you.’ I am not paying anyone. What were your last couple of films? How much have you opened to? What right do you have to ask me for this number? I produced a small film called Kill. I spent money on it because it was a high-concept film with a rank newcomer. Every star that we went to asked me for the same money as the budget. When the budget is Rs 40 crore, how can you ask for Rs 40 crore?” Karan told The Hollywood Reporter India.
Meanwhile, Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India (SII), recently announced that his company, Serene Productions, will be acquiring a 50 percent stake in Karan’s Dharma Productions.