You're trying to kill film industry: Jaya Bachchan slams government
What's the story
Veteran Bollywood actor and Samajwadi Party leader, Jaya Bachchan, has slammed the Indian government for ignoring the film and entertainment sector.
Speaking during the General Discussion on the Union Budget 2025-26 in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, she raised concerns over the shutting down of single-screen theaters and increasing cinema hall costs.
"One industry has been totally ignored by you...You have totally ignored the film and entertainment industry because you only use them for serving your own purpose," she said.
Tax implications
Bachchan highlighted the impact of GST on cinema
Bachchan further emphasized the effect of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on the cinema industry.
"Today, leave aside GST, all the single screens (theaters) are shutting down. People are not going to movie halls because everything has become so costly," she said.
She added, "Perhaps you want to kill this industry altogether. This is the only industry that connects the entire world to India."
Industry appeal
'Please spare them': Bachchan's plea for the film industry
Bachchan also accused the government of targeting cinema and made a passionate plea on behalf of her industry.
"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." She urged, "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."
Ministerial intervention
Bachchan urged FM to address industry's concerns
The actor-politician appealed to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to take the issue "very very seriously."
She said, "I request the Finance Minister to consider and please bring something to help this industry survive."
Her comments come amid ongoing debates about the financial health of India's film and entertainment sector.
Producers have had to resort to re-releasing old movies because the new ones haven't been able to draw audiences.