Recently, discussions among filmmakers regarding the growing trend of actors traveling with oversized entourages have come to the forefront. Bollywood actor Piyush Mishra has joined the conversation, highlighting a stark contrast between the cultures of Bollywood and the South Indian film industry. He pointed out that while actors in Bollywood may travel with numerous bodyguards and assistants, their counterparts in the South exhibit a more grounded approach.
In an interview with Curly Tales, Mishra expressed his appreciation for working in the South, where he finds the atmosphere to be warm and welcoming. He recounted his experience working with renowned director S. Shankar on the film “Indian 2,” emphasizing Shankar’s humility despite his status in the industry. This culture of humility has left a lasting impression on him.
Mishra criticized the excessive behavior often observed in Bollywood, saying that many actors exhibit a peculiar kind of stardom characterized by numerous hang-ups. He noted that it is common for Bollywood stars to have numerous assistants and bodyguards accompanying them—sometimes as many as 8 to 12. He questioned the necessity of such large entourages, humorously remarking that with one individual, the need for multiple people to manage basic tasks seems excessive.
Despite the celebrity culture, Mishra prefers to keep his entourage small, only including a manager and a makeup artist. He also expressed admiration for Ranbir Kapoor, whom he described as his favorite actor due to Kapoor’s lack of tantrums and grounded nature. They have collaborated on various successful films, including “Rockstar,” “Sanju,” and “Tamasha.”
The conversation around entourage sizes isn’t new; fellow filmmaker Farah Khan previously highlighted the issue in a vlog with Rakesh Roshan. She noted how the scale of entourages has ballooned over the years, with some actors traveling with groups of at least 20 people. Farah humorously compared this phenomenon to a fair, recalling how actors now often have separate vans for personal chefs, who prepare extravagant meals. Despite such luxuries, she noted that these actors still tend to enjoy homemade food brought by crew members.
Piyush Mishra, who launched his career in theatre, made his film debut with Mani Ratnam’s “Dil Se” in 1998. He has since earned acclaim for his performances in films like “Gangs of Wasseypur,” “Maqbool,” and “Tamasha,” as well as for his work as a lyricist in notable films such as “Gulaal” and “Black Friday.” His recent appearance was in the film “Crazxy,” released in 2025.