Veteran actress Ratna Pathak Shah has voiced a sharp critique of Bollywood’s growing “entourage culture,” labeling it a “waste of time” and a financial burden on producers.
In an exclusive chat with Pinkvilla, the industry stalwart argued that while these large teams provide employment for many, they ultimately “infantilize” actors by stripping them of their autonomy.
“I’ve lived 68 years; I don’t want to become a child again,” Shah remarked, noting that she prefers to handle her own affairs rather than relying on a team to make basic decisions for her. S
She highlighted the irony of the “self-feeding system,” where producers hoping for a ₹1000 crore hit tolerate the mounting expenses of stylists and assistants, only to suffer when a film fails.
Despite her disdain for the excess, Shah offered a grounded perspective, acknowledging that high-profile stars do require security to manage modern crowds and fan frenzies.
Ratna also praised Alia Bhatt for her focus and professionalism during the filming of Kapoor & Sons (2016).
Even though they shared no scenes, Shah noticed Bhatt standing by the monitor when she wasn’t filming, carefully watching other actors perform.
Shah criticized a growing trend among young actors who try to be “cute entertainers” on set, noting that Bhatt was “on the ball” and did not feel the need to maintain such a persona.
She described Bhatt as “extremely gifted,” “sincere,” and “disciplined,” appreciating her quiet and professional presence throughout the shoot.
Known for her iconic role as Maya Sarabhai, the actress remains a firm believer in self-reliance, choosing to distance herself from the industry’s trend toward over-management.
