A major internal dispute has emerged within the Cine and TV Artistes Association (CINTAA) after 11 of the organisation’s 21 Executive Committee members stepped down from their positions. The resignations have intensified existing disagreements over the association’s functioning, with fresh elections now at the centre of the controversy.CINTAA General Secretary Upasana Singh has alleged that tensions within the committee had been building for more than two years. She also questioned the validity of an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) called after the mass resignations.According to Upasana, disagreements among committee members were not a recent development. She claimed that the organisation had been dealing with an increasingly difficult atmosphere since the current committee took charge.“This has been going on for the past two to two-and-a-half years, since we have been here. Since then, we have been going through a lot of trouble. Many people have resigned in between because of the tensions within the committee, and there was a very bad atmosphere,” Upasana shares with Hindustan Times.She further alleged that differences had emerged over the way disciplinary matters involving artistes were being handled. According to her, notices, suspensions and termination-related decisions had become a major source of concern. “By giving show-cause notices to anyone, they have started firing actors, and sometimes they suspend someone,” she says.Upasana believes the committee had effectively split into opposing groups, with differences over what the association’s primary responsibilities should be. “There are two groups there, some people who want to work for the actors and want their well-being.”She added, “CINTAA is an association of artists. It is their home. They are not there to fire them, cancel their work or suspend them.”
Eleven members resign from 21-member committee
The dispute reached a critical point when 11 members of the 21-member Executive Committee resigned together. Upasana said the decision followed an extended period of frustration among those members.“We are an association of 21 members. That is why 11 people, after getting very tired, have resigned together.”She further argued that the association’s constitution provides for the dissolution of the committee when at least half of its members resign.“Our constitution says that if more than half of the people resign, or even 50% resign, then our committee breaks down and re-election is announced. This is our constitution.”Upasana also stated that she accepted the resignations in her capacity as General Secretary.
Dispute over validity of EGM
The next major point of contention is the Extraordinary General Meeting. Upasana has questioned how the EGM could be organised after she claims the Executive Committee had already ceased to exist following the resignations.“Despite that, they went to CINTAA and held an illegal meeting. After that, they announced an EGM, which is going to happen today at 5–5:30.”She also alleged that the proposed meeting involves sweeping amendments to CINTAA’s existing constitution.“They have put up around 90 pages because they want to make changes to the entire constitution.”
Upasana challenges General Secretary appointment
Another issue raised by Upasana concerns the designation of Padmini Kolhapure as General Secretary. She insists that she remains in the position and says she has never submitted her resignation.“They have written the name of Padmini Kolhapure as the General Secretary. But I have not even resigned. Padmini Kolhapure is not the General Secretary. I am the General Secretary,” says Upasna.She also questioned the proposed composition of the committee, alleging that individuals who had either resigned from their previous posts or were unsuccessful in the earlier election were being considered for positions again.“Deepak Parashar had resigned as Treasurer, so they wrote Hetal Parmar. But Hetal Parmar has already resigned. In this way, the people who have lost the election are being used and they are saying that they will be the committee members.”
Federation approached over fresh elections
Upasana maintains that an EGM cannot legally be conducted if the Executive Committee has already been dissolved. She also argued that the General Secretary’s approval is required for such a meeting.“You cannot hold an EGM. If the committee has been dissolved, you cannot hold an EGM. An EGM is done with the permission of the General Secretary, and I have not yet resigned.”She said the matter has also been taken to CINTAA’s federation, which she described as the association’s mother body. According to Upasana, the federation has been requested to ensure that the next election process is conducted fairly.“We have asked the federation, our mother body, to have a fair election.”
Members allegedly fear disciplinary action
The dispute, according to Upasana, has also affected the confidence of some CINTAA members. She claimed that artistes have privately expressed concerns about approaching the association because they fear possible action against their membership.“Some people used to call me and say, ‘Upasana ji, I am also afraid of coming to CINTAA because somewhere our card might be cancelled’,” she ends.
About CINTAA controversy
CINTAA stands for Cine & TV Artistes’ Association. It is an Indian organisation that represents actors and artistes working in the film and television industry. CINTAA primarily works for the rights, welfare and professional interests of artistes. It also addresses issues such as employment disputes, contracts, payments, working conditions and disciplinary matters involving its members. The association has a long history in the Indian entertainment industry and is based in Mumbai.CINTAA is facing an internal dispute after 11 of its 21 Executive Committee members resigned, triggering a debate over the committee’s dissolution and the need for fresh elections. General Secretary Upasana Singh has also questioned the validity of the proposed EGM, alleging that it was called after the committee had already dissolved.
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