Makeup artist Shaan Mutthathil, known for working with Jacqueline Fernandez and Shraddha Kapoor over his 20-year career, recently responded to Anurag Kashyap’s remark about high entourage costs in Bollywood. Anurag had claimed that makeup artists and chefs charge more than assistant directors and camerapersons. Shaan countered that Anurag’s perspective is out of touch and that his films do not require costly makeup and styling.

On the Phitte Muh with Sik and Jas YouTube channel, Shaan Mutthathil remarked on his substantial earnings, especially given his background as a college dropout.
He compared his high pay to that of doctors and pilots, noting the disparity. He suggested that Anurag Kashyap’s comments might stem from jealousy, highlighting that experienced professionals in the industry, like himself, often earn more than those in other key roles, such as managers and assistant directors.

Shaan pointed out that not everyone in the industry commands high fees, with only a select few earning around Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh. He mentioned that if he requested such a fee for an Anurag Kashyap film, he likely wouldn’t be hired, as Kashyap’s films typically don’t require extensive makeup and styling. Shaan emphasized that Kashyap’s films often feature more natural looks and simpler settings, which don’t align with the high-end makeup and hair services he provides.The makeup artist contrasted Anurag Kashyap’s views with Karan Johar’s approach, noting that Johar recognizes the value of top-tier makeup artists and hairstylists. Shaan highlighted that Johar hires well-known professionals like Mickey Contractor and Manish Malhotra for commercial films, understanding their contribution to the film’s success. Johar’s acknowledgment of high fees for such services is in contrast to Kashyap’s complaints, and Shaan pointed out that other roles, such as choreographers, also command significant fees, which is a norm in the industry.

Mutthathil explained that he works on films where directors specifically request him, such as Mohit Suri’s movies like Aashiqui, Half Girlfriend, and Malang, where he is compensated based on the film’s glitzy style. He remarked that Anurag Kashyap’s comments reflect his own perspective and that he also critiques agencies. Shaan emphasized that, after 20 years in the industry, his fees are a reflection of his experience and reputation.

The director recently commented on extravagant costs in the film industry during an interview with Janice Sequeira. He criticized the high charges of personal chefs and questioned the value of their “strange healthy food,” likening it to “bird feed” due to its small portion size. In a separate discussion with Humans of Cinema, Kashyap pointed out that a significant portion of film budgets is spent on luxurious extras and entourages rather than on actual film production, citing an example of a car being dispatched to fetch a five-star burger while shooting in a remote location.