The conversation around oversized celebrity entourages in Bollywood has intensified, and actor Piyush Mishra is the latest to join the debate. After filmmakers like Karan Johar and Farah Khan voiced concerns about actors travelling with multiple assistants and bodyguards, Piyush has now spoken openly about how unnecessary he finds these practices.
In a recent conversation with Curly Tales, the actor said he feels far more comfortable working in the South film industry because of the warmth and humility he experiences there. Recalling his time on S. Shankar’s Indian 2, Piyush shared that the filmmaker personally came to introduce himself on set. He described the moment as surprising and refreshing, considering Shankar’s stature in Indian cinema. According to Piyush, such respectful behaviour reflects the culture of the South industry, where people “have no airs.”
Comparing this to Bollywood, Piyush criticised what he described as “a strange kind of stardom.” He noted that many actors show up with 12 to 14 bodyguards and nearly ten assistants. He questioned the need for such large teams, pointing out the absurdity of having separate people for basic tasks like offering water, styling hair or doing makeup. He argued that this creates unnecessary pressure on others and sends the wrong message.
Piyush also revealed that his own entourage consists of just one manager and one makeup artist. He added that Ranbir Kapoor is his favourite actor to work with because, despite his stardom, he behaves with simplicity and never throws tantrums. The two have previously collaborated on Rockstar, Tamasha and Sanju.
With more industry insiders speaking up, the discussion around professionalism and humility in Bollywood is gaining momentum once again.