The debate around star entourages in Bollywood is getting stronger. Over the past few years, many filmmakers have raised concerns about the large number of people who follow actors to film sets. Now, veteran director Priyadarshan has openly criticised this trend. He has called it the WORST thing happening in Bollywood today.
Entourages usually include makeup artists, managers, PR teams, trainers and personal staff. While they are meant to help actors, many directors now feel they are creating problems during shoots. As a result, film sets are becoming crowded and difficult to manage.
Priyadarshan On Bollywood Entourages
In a media interview, Priyadarshan shared his frustration about how these entourages affect his work. He explained how the crowd on set makes it hard to even frame a shot properly.
He said, “I tell you, I hate it. That’s the worst thing happening in Bollywood. Where four actors are there, 40–60 people are also there with them, so I can’t even see my frame. They’re all around, touching the hair, nothing to touch, most of them don’t even have hair, so what are they doing there? And I’m saying, ‘please clear, please clear’. There is so much crowd. The paraphernalia around the actors is more than my entire setup.”
DON'T MISS
His words clearly show how serious the issue has become. According to him, too many people on set affect focus, space, and the overall shooting process.
He also compared Bollywood with the South film industry. He said that even if actors have entourages there, they stay away from the set and only come when needed. This helps maintain discipline. The director remarked, “Here, they just walk in and stand around.”
Priyadarshan Says Entourage Members Earn More Than Some Actors
Priyadarshan made another shocking claim about the money earned by entourage members. He said some of them are paid more than veteran actors used to earn in the past.
He noted, “They’re earning far more than many established actors—people like Asrani sir used to be paid much less.”
Priyadarshan has worked closely with late actor Asrani in many films. Their upcoming film Bhooth Bangla will be their final project together after Asrani’s passing in 2025.
Meanwhile, Priyadarshan is preparing for the release of Bhooth Bangla, which also marks his reunion with Akshay Kumar after 14 years.
About Bhooth Bangla
Bhooth Bangla a horror-comedy based on Indian mythology and black magic. It tells the story of Arjun Acharya, a man who inherits his ancestral palace in Mangalpur. Despite a scary belief that no bride survives in the town, he decides to host his sister’s wedding there. This leads to strange and supernatural events.
The film has a strong cast. Along with Akshay Kumar, it features Paresh Rawal and Rajpal Yadav. Wamiqa Gabbi plays the female lead. Tabu and Mithila Palkar also appear in important roles. Other actors include Manoj Joshi, Jisshu Sengupta and Mithun Chakraborty.
The film is produced by Ektaa Kapoor under Balaji Motion Pictures. It will be released in theatres on April 17, 2026. Paid previews will begin on the night of April 16.
