Piyush Mishra, a distinguished figure known for his raw honesty and deep roots in theatre, frequently offers a clear-eyed perspective on the glitz and, more often, the excess that defines much of the mainstream Bollywood culture.
His comments regarding the demanding behavior, or “tantrums,” of certain actors aren’t just complaints; they represent a fundamental critique of how stardom can detach artists from reality and the essence of filmmaking.
The Critique of the ‘Entourage Economy’
Mishra’s most pointed observations often focus on the extravagant entourage that accompanies many big-name actors. He views this as the ultimate symbol of a misplaced ego and an unnecessary burden on film production.
He has remarked on actors arriving with an “army” of people sometimes 8-9 assistants or more, alongside a substantial number of bodyguards. Mishra questions the practical need for such a massive personal security and support detail, often asking, “Who is coming to kill you?”
He describes this large entourage with a touch of sarcasm, pointing out the absurdity of hyper-specialized roles: “One person is to drink with you. One is to give you a drink, one is to comb your hair…” This highlights how the star system has created an entire economy centered on catering to minute, non-essential demands, which he views as a manifestation of a “hang-up” or an inflated sense of self-importance.
This extravagance directly impacts the film’s budget. Mishra’s implied argument is that the money spent on these personal luxuries—such as multiple vanity vans or chefs charging exorbitant daily fees for specialized diets (as noted by other directors like Anurag Kashyap and Sanjay Gupta) is money that should be spent on the film itself, such as better research, production quality, or supporting the wider crew.
Mishra’s background in the disciplined and modest world of the National School of Drama (NSD) and theatre profoundly shapes his disdain for this starry behavior. He sees a clear contrast between the two worlds
He often mentions his own minimal needs, typically traveling with only one assistant and one makeup artist. This reflects a grounded, professional approach where the focus remains purely on the work.
Mishra has openly praised actors who defy this trend, such as Ranbir Kapoor, whom he called “ghazab” for having “no tantrums” despite being a major star. He credits this to Kapoor’s self-awareness of his own success, implying that true confidence negates the need for showy demands.
Mishra has also contrasted Bollywood with the South Indian film industry, expressing a preference for working there because, in his experience, the actors are often more grounded and do not carry the same “weight of stardom” or “hang-ups” seen in Hindi cinema. This suggests that the cultural approach to celebrity is a major factor in controlling this demanding behavior. To know such latest updates, stay tuned to tellyboosters.com Thank you!
