KKN Gurugram Desk | In a heartfelt appeal during a Rajya Sabha discussion about the Union Budget, veteran actress and Member of Parliament Jaya Bachchan urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to extend support to the struggling film industry. She accused the government of neglecting the sector and unfairly targeting it while highlighting the difficulties faced by daily wage workers and the closures of single-screen theaters. Bachchan emphasized that the film industry, often seen as a key pillar of India’s cultural and global presence, needed urgent attention and mercy to survive.
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The Indian film industry, one of the largest and most influential in the world, has been facing numerous challenges, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Several theaters have shut down due to rising operational costs, and the industry’s workforce, including daily wage laborers, has been severely affected by these closures. Jaya Bachchan’s comments are a direct appeal to the government to understand the gravity of the situation and offer much-needed relief to a sector that not only entertains millions but also contributes significantly to the nation’s economy.
Jaya Bachchan’s Request for Government’s Mercy
During the discussion, Jaya Bachchan passionately addressed the growing issues that the film industry has been grappling with, stating that the sector has been ignored by the government. She specifically mentioned that previous governments had also not paid adequate attention to the film industry, but the current government had taken it to a new level by disregarding the industry’s problems. The actress expressed frustration over how the film and entertainment sectors were used by the government to serve political agendas but were otherwise ignored when it came to genuine support.
“Today, leave aside GST, all the single-screen theaters are shutting down. People are not going to movie halls because everything has become so costly. Perhaps you want to kill this industry altogether. This is the only industry that connects the entire world to India,” Jaya Bachchan said during her speech. Her remarks were a direct reference to the increasing operational costs, which have led to a drop in cinema-goers, and the closure of many theaters, particularly single-screen venues, across the country.
The rising cost of living and the heavy taxation on cinema tickets have made it difficult for people to afford a trip to the movies. Jaya Bachchan highlighted the sharp decline in footfall at theaters due to the high ticket prices, which are a direct consequence of the government’s policies and the industry’s lack of financial relief. She also expressed concern over the future of the film industry, particularly the smaller, independent filmmakers who depend on single-screen theaters to showcase their work.
The Film Industry’s Role in Global Connectivity
Jaya Bachchan made it clear that the film industry was not just a source of entertainment, but a vital part of India’s global identity. She argued that the film industry serves as a bridge connecting India to the rest of the world. The global reach of Bollywood and other regional film industries has played a key role in fostering cultural exchange and promoting India’s soft power globally. Films have been instrumental in shaping perceptions of India around the world, and Bachchan stressed that if the government does not act quickly, this vital link could be in jeopardy.
“I am speaking on behalf of my film industry and making a request to this House on behalf of the audio-visual industry, that please spare them. Please have some mercy for them. You are trying to kill this industry. Please do not do this. Today you have started targeting cinema also,” Bachchan urged. This appeal was not only for the cinema business but also for the entire audio-visual industry, which is closely intertwined with filmmaking, including television, digital media, and music.
Bachchan’s plea reflects the urgent need for the government to take action and support the industry during its most difficult period. While many sectors have been given relief packages during the COVID-19 crisis, the entertainment industry has largely been left to fend for itself. With theaters still reeling from the pandemic’s impact and the continuous rise in costs, there is a growing sense of urgency in the industry.
Impact of Rising Costs on Daily Wage Workers
Another significant concern raised by Jaya Bachchan was the plight of daily wage workers in the film industry. These workers, who form the backbone of the film industry, have been particularly hard-hit. From camera operators to electricians, make-up artists to set builders, a vast number of individuals rely on daily wages for their livelihood. With productions stalling due to rising costs and the closure of many theaters, the economic repercussions for these workers have been devastating.
“The daily wage workers in the industry are suffering. They have no work, and no support system in place. The government must step in and offer financial relief to those who are the backbone of this industry,” said Bachchan. These workers, who are not part of the film’s high-paying cast or crew, are among the most vulnerable in the sector. Without adequate government support, many face uncertainty regarding their future in the industry.
The Need for Financial Relief and Policy Changes
Jaya Bachchan’s appeal also pointed to the need for specific financial measures to be introduced by the government. She called for policy changes that would not only reduce the financial burden on the film industry but also provide relief to the workers who rely on it for their livelihood. Bachchan requested that the Finance Minister consider tax exemptions or reduced GST rates for the entertainment sector, which would help reduce operational costs and make cinema tickets more affordable for the public.
The actress also called for a more comprehensive plan to revive single-screen theaters, which are crucial for the film industry, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. Single-screen theaters are often the only place for people in smaller cities and villages to watch movies, and their closure has limited access to entertainment for millions of Indians.
Bachchan also highlighted that India’s film industry not only drives the economy but also provides millions of jobs. With the rise of streaming platforms and digital media, the film industry has expanded its reach globally. The entertainment sector is a key contributor to India’s GDP, and the government’s failure to recognize its importance could have long-term consequences on the nation’s cultural and economic fabric.
Appeal for Immediate Action
In her final remarks, Jaya Bachchan appealed to the Finance Minister to take the matter seriously and to urgently implement measures to help the film industry survive. “I request the Finance Minister to consider and please bring something to help this industry survive,” she said, emphasizing that time was running out for the industry and its workers.
Her plea reflects the growing concern among filmmakers, actors, and industry stakeholders who feel that their concerns have been ignored for too long. While other sectors have seen government intervention and financial packages to help them recover from the pandemic’s impact, the film industry has largely been left out of these discussions.
The Road Ahead for the Film Industry
The film industry, which is known for its resilience and adaptability, now faces one of its toughest challenges. With rising costs, declining theater attendance, and the ongoing struggle to revive the sector, the industry needs urgent support from the government. If it does not receive the necessary assistance, the future of the film industry in India could be at risk.
The government’s response to Jaya Bachchan’s appeal will be crucial in determining whether the industry can recover from its current crisis. If the film industry is allowed to collapse, it could have far-reaching consequences on not only the entertainment sector but also on the economy, tourism, and India’s global cultural standing.
As Jaya Bachchan pointed out, the Indian film industry is more than just an entertainment sector; it is a cultural ambassador that brings India to the world. Therefore, supporting it in this critical time is not just about saving an industry but also preserving India’s position on the global stage.
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