The dispute within the Cine and Television Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) has brought several allegations about its internal functioning into focus.Actor Upasana Singh has now spoken about incidents involving senior members during her interaction with IANS. Upasana Singh alleged that some artistes were repeatedly made to feel uncomfortable during association meetings. She specifically recalled experiences involving Mukesh Rishi, Deepak Parashar and Vikas Verma. According to Upasana Singh, the incidents reflected a pattern of alleged disrespect toward members who had contributed to the industry and the association over the years.

Mukesh Rishi allegedly confronted CINTAA members

Recalling an incident involving Mukesh Rishi, Upasana Singh said the actor once arrived late for a CINTAA meeting because of Mumbai traffic. She alleged that he was told he would not be permitted to vote or raise his hand because he was approximately half an hour late.Upasana Singh claimed that such experiences eventually pushed the usually quiet Mukesh Rishi to express his anger publicly during an AGM.“He had to scream in the AGM on the mic that, ‘So much misbehaviour with me, how can you people do it?’” Upasana recalled.

Deepak Parashar allegedly denied entry

Upasana Singh also recalled an incident involving veteran actor Deepak Parashar during a CINTAA press conference connected to an event involving Hema Malini.She said Deepak Parashar was serving as the association’s treasurer at the time and was around 74 years old. According to her, he repeatedly knocked on a door but was not allowed inside.“Deepak Parashar ji was our treasurer and he is 74 years old and he has done so many films, kept knocking at the door but they did not open it for him. So he came and told me ‘let’s not go there, it is extremely insulting’,” she said.Upasana Singh said she tried to convince him to stay because Hema Malini was associated with the event. She also highlighted Deepak Parashar’s efforts during CINTAA meetings. According to her, he would wake up early and cook food for executive committee members. “For two and a half years, during EC meetings or any meetings, he used to get up at 5 o’clock and cook food for us and feed us,” she said. “Deepak ji is senior to them, he is elder to him, at every level. If he is a senior, then we should respect his regard, we should not talk to him like that, no matter what the differences are,” she said.

Upasana Singh speaks about Vikas Verma

Upasana Singh also alleged that actor Vikas Verma faced humiliation because of his limited English fluency. “Vikas Verma, the man who is always available for everybody and helps each one in need, was humiliated just because he did not know English and they did not consider him of their class and stature,” Upasana said.She praised Vikas Verma’s contribution to the fraternity and said he had worked across multiple languages. She also referred to his charitable work and claimed that his NGO helped people dealing with substance-abuse issues. “He has been insulted so many times there. That boy has come out crying and he is the youngest among us,” she said.

Claims involving Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure

Upasana Singh also made allegations concerning veteran actresses Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure. She claimed that the two maintained a distance from other members because of their status as stars. “Poonam ji and Padmini ji would never even enter the same lift as others, claiming that they were stars.” The allegations come after eight CINTAA executive committee members resigned in August. Mukesh Rishi, Vikas Verma and Deepak Parashar were among those who stepped down amid concerns over the association’s administration and decision-making.Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure have previously rejected allegations made against them and responded publicly to criticism surrounding the CINTAA dispute.