Jaya Bachchan claims Government's actions are a threat to the film industry, requests ‘mercy’

• Veteran actress-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan has criticized the government for ignoring the film industry.
• She alleged that the government is using the film and entertainment industry to serve its purpose.
• She also asked Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to bring something to help the industry survive.

Veteran actress-turned-politician Jaya Bachchan urged the government on Tuesday to show "mercy" towards the film industry. While questioning Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman about the Union Budget 2025-2026, the Samajwadi Party member alleged that the government is trying to "kill" Bollywood.

During her recent address in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, February 11, Jaya Bachchan claimed that the government has ignored the film industry and stated that single-screen theaters are shutting down. The veteran actress alleged that previous governments had done the same, but this time the issue has been taken to the "next level."

Bachchan claimed that the government has "totally ignored" the film and entertainment industry, using it only to serve its purpose.

According to India Today, the Silsila actress added, "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. Perhaps you want to kill this industry altogether," further noting that it is only the film industry that connects the entire world to India.

She continued by saying, “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. You are trying to kill this industry. Please do not do this. Today you have started targeting cinema also."

The veteran actress also asked Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to bring something to help the "industry survive" and take the issue "very, very seriously."

The finance ministry announced that loose popcorn will continue to be taxed at a 5% GST rate, the same as restaurant services. However, if popcorn is bundled with a movie ticket, it will be treated as a composite supply. In such cases, the applicable tax rate will be based on the principal item, which is the movie ticket, and a GST of 12 to 18% can be levied.

On the professional front, Jaya Bachchan will next be seen in "Dil Ka Darwaaza Khol Na Darling", directed by Vikas Bahl and starring Siddhant Chaturvedi and Wamiqa Gabbi.

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