Jaya Bachchan Urges Government to Support Film Industry
Jaya Bachchan, a veteran actor and member of the Samajwadi Party, recently made a heartfelt appeal to the Indian government regarding the struggles faced by the film industry. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha during the General Discussion on the Union Budget for 2025-26, she highlighted the pressing issues that threaten the survival of this vital sector. Her comments come at a time when the industry is grappling with rising costs and the closure of single-screen theatres. Bachchan’s remarks are particularly poignant given the recent meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which aimed to position India as a global entertainment hub.
Jaya Bachchan’s Plea for the Film Industry
During her speech, Jaya Bachchan expressed deep concern over the challenges that daily wage workers in the film industry face. She pointed out that the closure of single-screen theatres is a significant issue, attributing it to soaring costs and high Goods and Services Tax (GST) rates. Bachchan stated, “One industry has been totally ignored by you, and other governments were also doing the same thing. But today you have taken it to the next level.” She emphasized that the film and entertainment industry is crucial for cultural exchange and serves as a bridge connecting India to the global community.
Bachchan’s remarks reflect a growing frustration within the industry regarding government support. She accused the government of using the film industry for its own purposes while neglecting its needs. Her passionate plea underscores the importance of recognizing the film industry not just as a source of entertainment but as a vital economic and cultural asset. The survival of this industry, she argued, is essential for the livelihoods of countless individuals who depend on it for their daily sustenance.
Allegations of Targeting Cinema
In her address, Bachchan did not shy away from making strong allegations against the government. She claimed that the cinema sector is being unfairly targeted, urging Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take the industry’s plight seriously. “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,” she implored. Her words were a call to action, urging the government to consider concrete proposals that could help the industry survive.
Bachchan described the film industry as a “very difficult industry” that requires immediate attention. She warned that if the current trends continue, the consequences could be dire. The actor-turned-politician’s passionate appeal highlights the urgent need for government intervention to ensure the industry’s sustainability. Her remarks resonate with many in the industry who feel that their contributions are overlooked and undervalued.
WAVE Summit and Industry Disconnect
Bachchan’s plea comes in the wake of the WAVE Summit, where Prime Minister Modi engaged with prominent figures from the entertainment industry, including her husband Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, and AR Rahman. The summit aimed to discuss India’s potential as a global entertainment hub, yet Bachchan’s comments suggest a disconnect between the government’s ambitions and the realities faced by those in the industry.
While the government seeks to elevate India’s status in the global entertainment landscape, the challenges faced by the film industry remain pressing. The closure of single-screen theatres and the struggles of daily wage workers are stark reminders of the industry’s vulnerabilities. Bachchan’s call for mercy and support reflects a broader sentiment within the industry that urgent action is needed to address these issues.
As the film industry continues to navigate these turbulent waters, the hope is that the government will listen to voices like Jaya Bachchan’s and take meaningful steps to support this vital sector. The future of Indian cinema depends on it.
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