“Dharma Productions and YRF have ego”: Writer-turned-actor Vikram Kapadia criticizes banners over paying actors less in the name of “giving break”

In a candid interview, actor Vikram Kapadia shared his thoughts on two of Bollywood’s biggest production houses, Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions and Aditya Chopra’s Yash Raj Films (YRF). He accused them of underpaying actors while using their brand name as leverage. Kapadia, who has worked on major projects like Yodha, Made in Heaven, The Night Manager, and The Archies, opened up about his experience working with these studios in an interview with Bollywood Now.

Vikram Kapadia Speaks On Underpayment Despite Big Names

Kapadia highlighted that while Dharma Productions and YRF are known for their grandeur and big-budget films, they often pay actors less, claiming it to give them a “break.” He expressed frustration with this practice, stating, “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. I think they do that with everyone. That’s why actors are concerned.”

Despite the lower pay, Kapadia acknowledged that these production houses are timely with payments. “Yash Raj paid me well as a writer, but there is still this attitude that 'we are Yash Raj.' You are getting a role, and they are giving you a break so that the value might be a little less, but they never delay payments,” he added.

Recent Developments at Dharma Productions

The comments come on the heels of a major development at Dharma Productions, with Aadar Poonawala of Serum Institute acquiring a 50% stake in the company. The ₹1000 crore investment was publicly acknowledged when Karan Johar and Poonawala made a joint appearance at Manish Malhotra’s Diwali bash earlier this week, signaling a new phase for the production house.

Also Read: Jaaved Jaaferi pokes fun at Karan Johar’s Dharma Productions deal with Adar Poonawalla: “Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Serum”