Bollywood makeup artist Shaan Mu discussed his fees and client and production incentives.
Longtime Bollywood makeup artist Shaan Mutthathil discussed his salary amid concerns about rising entourage expenditures. He stated he worked hard and wants the money his experience and reputation deserve. He also addressed Anurag Kashyap’s allegations and confessed that he makes more than first assistant directors and managers on movies.
On the Phitte Muh with Sik & Jaz podcast, he revealed his contract outlines what he wants in addition to his normal remuneration. “If your art is good, ask like everyone else. In my contract, if a bride takes me, I need one business class ticket, two economy class tickets, and a five-star hotel room near the bride. A rule. They say, ‘Even helpers are so expensive?’ The helper must have a car to bring my stuff whenever if he lives somewhere. I’m picky about brides—one business class, two economy, a good hotel for my staff, and the closest five-star hotel for myself. “They can put you anywhere,” he continued.
According to him, shootings take hours. Young people can do 14–15 hours. Bollywood or otherwise, shoots don’t conclude on time. As stated, I will give a half-hour additional, but after that it will be a 1.5-day shift. You paid me, but I need half more, and my actresses support me. I provide 12 hours plus 30 minutes, but those that lead the shoot profit.
Even though he wants stars on his chair for an hour more, he doesn’t demand it. “Let’s be clear, nobody is doing seva here,” he added, adding that he doesn’t get a percentage of box office revenues, so he asks what he does upfront. Be ready to be replaced.
Shaan defended his right to charge upwards of Rs 1 lakh a day on a project, even when other film workers are underpaid. Shaan has worked with several actors, including Jacqueline Fernandez and Shraddha Kapoor. According to him, he has done hair and cosmetics for over 1,000 brides. Recent Indian Express coverage has focused on rising Bollywood entourage fees.
