Actor Vikram Kapadia has publicly criticized Karan Johar's Dharma Productions and Aditya Chopra's Yash Raj Films (YRF) for underpaying actors.

Kapadia describes the attitude of these production houses as 'egoistic', suggesting they believe their brand justifies lower pay for performers.

He pointed out that actors are often told they should be grateful for the opportunities provided, which justifies the lower compensation they receive.

Karan Johar has expressed frustration over rising actor fees, stating that many actors demand salaries equivalent to the film budgets, which he finds unsustainable.

Johar emphasized that the financial strain from actors' fees is more significant than expenses associated with their entourages.

He mentioned that he would only pay premium amounts if a box office success is guaranteed, reflecting the pressures faced by producers.

Kapadia noted that while YRF compensated him well as a writer, there remains an underlying expectation of acceptance regarding lower pay due to the studio's reputation.

During his time at Yash Raj Films, Kapadia was paid on time but recognized a perception of diminished value due to the brand's prominence.

Following the acquisition, Poonawalla and Karan Johar, head of Dharma Productions, showcased their partnership at a Diwali celebration.

Aadar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute of India, recently acquired a 50% stake in Dharma Productions for ₹1000 crore, marking a significant investment in the company.

Dharma Productions' recent film, 'Jigra', has underperformed at the box office, grossing only ₹28.35 crore in its first 12 days of release.

Despite the lower pay, Kapadia acknowledged that both YRF and Dharma Productions are consistent with their payment timelines.