R Madhavan has spoken out about one of Bollywood’s biggest blind spots, the absence of residuals. The actor revealed how this lack of ongoing earnings makes stars financially insecure and cautious about taking risks. Comparing India to Hollywood, he said that actors there continue to earn from past hits, which gives them the freedom to experiment with bolder roles.Madhavan added that if Bollywood worked the same way, just three of his biggest films, ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Rang De Basanti,’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ could have secured his family’s future for generations.
R Madhavan explains how residuals build actor confidence
Residuals work like royalties. They are paid out whenever a film or show earns money, whether on television, streaming, or other platforms. Madhavan pointed out that in Hollywood, this kind of steady income gives stars the confidence to take risks without worrying about money.As quoted by The Indian Express, Madhavan said, “But when you know that there is no pension, but you’ve built a lifestyle that you need to maintain, then you start thinking ‘paise toh lelo pata nahi kal milega ke nahi milega’. The judiciary has to support the contracts that we sign.”Madhavan also mentioned that faulty payments are common in the Indian film industry. Yet actors rarely challenge them because they do not have the time or resources. “The moment residuals are possible, I’m sure everybody would like to jump in because then you can do the kind of work that you want,” he added.
Madhavan comments on Shah Rukh Khan ’s producer move
When asked if it was wise of Shah Rukh Khan to turn producer early in his career, Madhavan explained that this is not a one-size-fits-all approach. He said, “If you’re commanding double-digit salaries the rules that apply to them are different simply because they have secured their future.”Madhavan added that top-tier stars like Shah Rukh can afford to make bold choices because their financial security is already in place. Lower strata actors, on the other hand, do not have the same luxury.
How lifestyle pressures affect an actor’s choices
Madhavan also highlighted how A-list stars often maintain a certain lifestyle. He said, “Their (A-list stars’) salaries are such that they can afford to live this lifestyle for the rest of their lives.”This financial comfort means they can take risks or choose projects they are passionate about without worrying about money. But for many Bollywood actors without residuals, the need to maintain a lifestyle can make them risk averse.
Hollywood actors still earn residuals
Madhavan shared a famous example to underline the difference with Hollywood. “There’s a famous story that Mr Amrish Puri is still getting residuals for the Steven Spielberg movie that he did. If I was a Hollywood actor, two or three films would be enough, maybe ‘3 Idiots’, ‘Rang De Basanti’ and ‘Tanu Weds Manu’ to feed the rest of my generations if they live sensibly.” He said having this kind of system would allow Indian actors to focus on the work they want to do rather than always chasing money.
R Madhavan on the work front
R Madhavan was last seen in ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ alongside Fatima Sana Shaikh. He is set to return to the big screen with Ranveer Singh starrer ‘Dhurandhar’.
