In the fight between multiplexes and producers, two of the biggest stars in Bollywood have come out in support of the 50:50 revenue sharing that producers are demanding. Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan held a press conference about the issue and are speaking out not only as actors and producers but also for the fans of Bollywood.
Shah Rukh Khan said they are not trying to fight against the theater owners but that an agreement that is fair to everyone needs to be agreed upon, “It is not a power show, we are all partners, it is actually a show of togetherness. But we are employees of the audience, not of the multiplexes, and we will not succumb to their unfair demands.”
He apologized to audiences for the strike and went on to say, “I want to make it clear that we are not here to stop showing our films to audiences. We just want equal rights for all parts of the film industry that is like a family, we’re calling it, ‘Fair Rights for Friday Nights.”
Aamir Khan agreed saying, “Today is not a happy day for us, we are saddened by the issue. We are entertainers we feel that we have to tell our audience that why is this happening, why they will not be able to watch movies in multiplexes for a while.”
He clarified the producers’ stance saying, “The most important thing is that producers and distributors believe we are one industry and we can survive only when everybody is making profit. All we are asking for is a relationship of equality. We aren’t saying that the old methods of 80 percent profit to the producers and 20 percent to the distributors should go on, that needs revision, and what we are asking for is a 50-50 relationship. Whatever solution we arrive at, should be a fair solution.”
Aamir also disagreed with the theater owners’ contention that if the film does not do well they should not have to share as much of the profit, “No producer thinks he’s making a bad film. It’s a volatile business, and the newcomers (multiplex owners) need to understand that. We’re here for a solution, and it should be a fair solution.”
Of course SRK had to add a little levity saying to the reporters, “You can even give headlines that Aamir and Shah Rukh have become friends. Nobody can stop you.”
Karan Johar is happy that the film fraternity is standing together saying he is very proud, “at the solidarity and the strength of the fraternity that I belong to.” Adding that it is fantastic that two superstars came out in full support of the producer’s stance, “Busy actors like Aamir and Shah Rukh being passionately involved in it is fantastic. They could just enjoy the perks of the power that they have, but they are taking their power forward and that is important at this time. I feel extremely proud to see them stand together.”
Other members of the film fraternity were also at the press conference including Yash Chopra, Rakesh Roshan, David Dhawan, Sajid Nadiadwala, Ashutosh Gowariker, Rakeysh Om Prakash Mehra, Ronnie Screwvala, and Mukesh Bhatt.
We will keep you up to date on all the news about the strike so watch this space for more!
