Bollywood takes its grievances to Prithviraj Chavan

Ramesh Sippy, Mukesh Bhatt, representing various organisations from Bollywood, met chief minister Prithviraj Chavan with various grievances due to which the survival of the industry is at stake.

Besides, the discontent about the huge entertainment tax in the state, the fraternity has raised voice against the harassments by political parties and the local police.

The harassment they say has resulted in unhealthy environment prevailing in the Film City at Goregaon. They also complained about the arbitrary treatment and arrests of the workers for the sake of money by the local police. The representation has demanded immediate steps to review the Film City functioning. A letter, signed by Sippy, Bhatt and Yash Chopra, was handed over to the CM Chavan, who has assured to look into the issues. Industries minister Narayan Rane also was present during the meeting. Chavan has assured the delegation with further deliberation to take necessary steps in the issues.

Admitting to the contention of the film industry, an official from the revenue department said that the issues are serious in nature and needed to be addressed immediately. “The industry gets huge tax rebate and other incentives for shooting in other states, whereas Maharashtra levies huge taxes. We have failed to have studios like Ramoji Filmcity in Andhra Pradesh in the state,” he said.

Narayan Rane said, “Most of the issues are related to revenue department, but since the producers know me, so I took them to chief minister.”