Mukesh Bhatt on Mahesh Babu’s controversial remark: If Bollywood cannot work to his expectations, then there is nothing wrong with it

Mahesh Babu recently stirred up a controversy when he made a statement at Adivi Sesh’s ‘Major’ trailer launch. When asked about his plans to star in Bollywood films, the actor said that ‘Bollywood cannot afford him. Before he knew it, his statement had been interpreted out of context and social media has been since buzzing with conversations around the topic.

While social media has been divided over his statement, filmmaker Mukesh Bhatt pointed out to India Today that there was no reason for an uproar over Mahesh Babu’s statement. He said that if Bollywood can’t afford his price, he wishes him all the best. He said that he respects where he comes from and he is a talented artist. “He is a very successful actor and keeping to his requisite of what he wants to get in terms of gratification of our films, if Bollywood cannot work to his expectations, then there is nothing wrong with it,” he said. The filmmaker further added that there is nothing to be offended about his statement.

“Bollywood Can’t Afford Me, Don’t Want To Waste My Time”: Mahesh Babu

According to Bhatt, there are various factors involved while determine the fee of an actor, director, or a film. “It depends on his [the actor’s] relationship with the makers or his desire to work with a particular filmmaker. Sometimes, it so happens that if an actor has a desire to work with a very successful director and when it happens, the actor ends up working for free or some people just go out of their way to do things. I respect that emotion and we work on those emotions,” he added.

At the trailer launch event, Mahesh Babu was heard saying, “I may come across as arrogant, but I have received numerous offers in Hindi. However, I believe they cannot afford me. I don’t want to squander any of my time or others. I never considered leaving Telugu cinema or going to other places, because of the fame and love I have here.”