ActorJamnadas Majethia opens up on producer’s plight on actor’s escalating demands
With the speculation over actors’ rising demands garnering incitement, famous television actorJamnadas Majethia opened up on the plight of producers on the escalating demand by actors.
Jamnadas is one among the exceptional actors in the Indian entertainment world..He often enrobes his producer’s hat to let the audience watch the magic of comedy. In his career, he has given shows like Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, Khichdi, and most recently, Wagle Ki Duniya, to name a few.
In the midst of an interview he revealed that he has l always faced this challenge because the job of a producer is the most demanding since he being a giver, and everyone else is a taker. Notwithstanding the role of an actor, there are 50 different people involved. Managing everything, from 125-150 people on a regular shoot to 300-350 for a big film or OTT production, makes it extremely difficult for a producer to keep everyone happy. Those who are replaceable or feel they can get similar work elsewhere might negotiate for less money and maintain a bit of power. But, once an actor gains popularity, the producer turns vulnerable, and many take advantage of this.
Amid sharing his personal experiences, the Sarabhai
Vs Sarabhai producer shared,
Yes, he encountered situations when he was vulnerable. Many a time actors take advantage of their popularity and demand more money. They often have to explain that this is not a film and even if the show gains popularity, they don’t necessarily get more money from it. So, how can they pay them more and accept their demands.
He further voiced on how while negotiating with the actors on their increment is a tough job and negotiations can be very complicated. They negotiate increments with the channel, and the channel negotiates with them, and then they(producers) have to negotiate with the artists and technicians. Some artists find it hard to accept a 10% increase.”
Further, he shared a story when Satish Shah was not happy with the check he received for
Sara Bhai vs Sara Bhai. He said, they aim to produce great content, that matches the stature of everyone involved. When he started as a new producer, he told Satish ji that he would remember this work for a lifetime. Initially, he was sceptical, but their journey was such superb that when they did the second season, Satish ji was the only actor who trusted him ompletely. He even said to finish the season before worrying over payments.
JD continued that when the season was complete and they earned decently, he took the cheque book to his house. He told him to fill it with a fair amount, and both were happy with the outcome.
As a fan of Satish Shah since childhood, working with him was a dream come true. Similarly, working with other legends like Sarita Joshi, who has seen him grow and understands the challenges of a producer, has been remarkable. Sarita even said she wouldn’t mind if she didn’t get an increment because of the trust and relationship they have built.
Jamnadas Majethia owns Hats Off Productions, and the team as of now is behind Sony SAB’s popular show Wagle Ki Duniya.
News Edit K.V.Raman
